The Justin Fields era with the New York Jets is going to come to an end sooner rather than later.
ESPN’s Bill Barnwell provided an early look at the 2026 quarterback carousel. Fields was listed in the “on their way out” category. He said it would be a “surprise” if Fields were back with the Jets next season.
“The Jets essentially guaranteed half of what Fields is owed next season as part of the deal he signed with them this season. Gang Green is already on the hook for $10 million of Fields’ $20 million base salary. The most likely scenario is the Jets release Fields over the winter, saving them the additional $10 million he would be owed in 2027,” Barnwell explained.
Jets Could Just Eat the Money, Completely Reset QB Room
Last offseason, Fields signed a two-year $40 million contract. That deal included $30 million in guaranteed money. $20 million of that was guaranteed for 2025, and another $10 million was guaranteed for 2026.
A smart negotiation tactic by Fields’ representation. Regardless of how the former Ohio State product performed, he would have financial security the next season.
Fields has had blips on the radar of competent quarterback play in 2025. However, that has been far too inconsistent.
He has started eight games this year. Fields has a 2-6 record as the starting quarterback. He has completed 63.5% of his passes, has thrown for 1,143 passing yards, and owns a six passing touchdown to one interception ratio.
On the ground, Fields has toted the rock 60 times for 316 rushing yards with three rushing scores.
“Barring a stunning second half, the Jets aren’t going to be thinking about Fields as their starter in 2026,” Barnwell said. “Fields also doesn’t make for an ideal backup for most organizations, given that his best fit within an NFL offense is operating within a QB run game-heavy approach, something teams won’t spend much time installing unless they plan to use it with their starter.”
National Personality Explains the Ideal QB Plan for the Jets in 2026
Longtime ESPN personality Mike Greenberg joined me on “Boy Green Daily” on October 24, 2025.
During our conversation, Greeny told me the perfect Jets quarterback developmental plan for next season.
“My overwhelming preference would be that the Jets not only draft a rookie [QB] at the top of the draft, but also sign a veteran, a legit veteran who can start for a season. I do not want the kid playing. This is a bad team, it is a bad market, we ruined [Sam] Darnold, we ruined Zach Wilson, and in some ways, the reasons we ruined them, or at least part of the reasons, were because we threw them out there on the field before they were ready,” Greenberg explained to me.
“One of the many ridiculous mistakes the Jets made with Zach Wilson was not even having a veteran presence there… I can see you shaking your head because you know exactly what I’m gonna say, and probably anyone listening to this conversation knows what I’m gonna say. They just threw that kid out there and let him fend for himself. It was criminal, really, from a football perspective. So don’t do that to this kid, whoever that kid is,” Greeny said.
Fields Level of Play Isn’t a Sustainable Product for Winning
If Fields is the lone veteran quarterback on the roster in 2026, the rookie is inevitably going to see the field.
The former Ohio State product plays a violent brand of football with his running. He already missed one game this season due to a concussion.
Secondly, Fields has played poorly. He has had four games this season in which he threw for fewer than 55 passing yards. It is almost hard to put into words how anemic that is in the 21st century for a quarterback.
That level of play would have fans demanding to see the backup, and the coaching staff would feel pressured to make a change. They need to find a more reliable hand with a healthy track record of staying on the field and bringing competency to the position.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Jets Are ‘Most Likely’ Going to Part Ways With QB Justin Fields appeared first on Heavy Sports.