The New York Jets appear likely to part ways with quarterback Justin Fields this offseason after signing the ex-Ohio State star to a two-year, $40 million contract ($30 million fully guaranteed) last March.
A release seems likely, with a trade only feasible if the Jets eat most of the guaranteed money, per ESPN’s Rich Cimini, who provided more information.
“Quarterback Justin Fields, essentially demoted to third string before being placed on injured reserve, is likely to be released. He’s due to make $20 million, including $10 million guaranteed, next season.
“The decision goes beyond money; Fields wasn’t a good fit. Maybe they can drum up some trade interest, but only if they agree to eat most of his guarantee. He will leave behind $22 million in dead cap, which can be spread over two years.”
Fields started nine games for the Jets, completing 62.7 percent of his passes for 1,259 yards, seven touchdowns and one interception. He rushed for 383 yards and four touchdowns as well.
Fields was benched on two different occasions.
The first was after a rough stretch in October, beginning when he completed just 9-of-17 passes for 45 yards in a 13-11 loss to the Denver Broncos in London on Oct. 12.
The Jets stuck with Fields for their next game against the Carolina Panthers, but he completed just 6-of-12 passes for 46 yards by halftime and got replaced by Tyrod Taylor in a 13-6 home loss.
The Jets went back to Fields after the Panthers game as Taylor dealt with a knee injury. However, Fields’ QB1 stint was short-lived.
After throwing for just 160 combined yards over two games against the Cleveland Browns and New England Patriots in November, the Jets went back to the veteran.
New York is now rolling with Brady Cook at quarterback to end the season. Taylor is QB2, while Fields was placed on injured reserve for the final two games of the year with a knee injury.
Ultimately, it may be difficult for the Jets to find a trade partner for Fields given the guaranteed money left on the deal.
Fields did flash what he can be at times, particularly in a promising Week 1 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers (218 passing yards and three total touchdowns) that ultimately ended in a 34-32 loss.
However, the pass game also struggled mightily and simply couldn’t get going too often. Perhaps a change of scenery might help, and that appears it’ll be the case one away or another for Fields soon enough.
