Only a couple weeks in the past throughout one of many Tremendous Bowl broadcasts, Adam Schefter reported that Justin Fields was anticipated to have a lot of groups desirous about him for the 2025 season. He’s nonetheless in play for the Pittsburgh Steelers to return for a second yr, however the ball is in his court docket with unrestricted free company looming in only a few weeks.
In line with ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler, the New York Jets could possibly be among the many events, and Fields has at the very least some curiosity within the make-up of their roster.
“New York Jets are a sleeper possibility right here. They might have some curiosity. They like the thought of a dual-threat quarterback,” Fowler mentioned by way of ESPN’s SportsCenter on Monday morning. “I’m informed Fields has checked out that roster — sees some intrigue there too.”
This follows a separate report from Fowler that Fields is in search of a clear runway to begin a full season. He carried out properly in his six begins final yr and appeared like a greater model of his days with the Chicago Bears. Who is aware of what a full season might have appeared like final yr. The start wasn’t glorious, however he was limiting errors and profitable video games.
Fowler reiterated a part of that report once more by way of SportsCenter.
“Justin Fields is gonna be a reasonably sizzling identify. Outdoors of Sam Darnold, [who] is the highest free-agent quarterback? Fields could make a robust argument for quantity two,” Fowler mentioned. “I’m informed Fields is open to a return to Pittsburgh, he had expertise there. The assumption is that Pittsburgh can be open to that too, however he needs a clear runway to begin a full season. He want to be the man wherever he goes.”
If the Steelers introduced him again, he would nearly definitely be the man. Group president Artwork Rooney II mentioned they have been more likely to deliver again one, however not each, of their 2024 quarterbacks. In the event that they let Russell Wilson stroll, there actually isn’t a path to bringing in beginning competitors for Fields. Possibly they draft any person within the center rounds, however that isn’t going to threaten his beginning gig immediately.
Simply wanting on the Jets’ roster in a one-to-one comparability to the Steelers’, the sting most likely goes to the Jets proper now, at the very least on offense. Breece Corridor, Garrett Wilson, Allen Lazard, and Malachi Corley comprise a extra intriguing group of weapons than what the Steelers have, particularly with query marks at WR2 and within the operating again room with Najee Harris a pending free agent. Then again, the Steelers are the extra secure group and simply made the playoffs with 10 wins whereas the Jets had a 5-12 document.
If nothing else, the presence of different suitors might drive the worth up for Fields. It’s onerous to inform for certain proper now, however might that push the Steelers nearer to re-signing Wilson as a substitute? There has reportedly been considerably of a cut up within the Steelers’ group between the 2. Cash might find yourself being the deciding issue and Fields seems to be constructing leverage.
