Fields, who signed a two-year, $40 million contract this offseason, has struggled to find consistency, and with the Jets’ quarterback position in flux, trade rumors are swirling.
The New York Jets’ quarterback situation has quickly spiraled into turmoil, as the franchise makes plans to bench Justin Fields after a rocky start to the 2025 season. The team's offensive struggles and Fields' inability to live up to expectations have led to a major decision by Jets' ownership and head coach Aaron Glenn.
Owner’s Harsh Comments About Fields
Jets owner Woody Johnson made his feelings about Fields abundantly clear during the league meetings in New York on October 21. His comments came as a surprise to many, directly criticizing Fields' performance and the Jets' 0-7 record, which he attributed largely to the quarterback’s struggles.
“If you’re Justin Fields and you’re sitting at home and suddenly your phone starts popping with those quotes that came out of the owners’ meetings... this is the highest level of the organization who very clearly does not believe in him at all,” NFL Insider Connor Hughes said on “Jets Final Drive.” “If you’re Fields and you hear that, don’t you wanna be like, ‘You know what, dude? Appreciate it, but cut me, trade me, move on from me.’”
Benched for Tyrod Taylor
The comments from Johnson have reportedly sparked frustration in Fields, who now faces the reality of being benched for the upcoming Week 8 game against the Cincinnati Bengals. Head coach Aaron Glenn is expected to announce the switch to Tyrod Taylor, signaling a potential turning point in Fields' career with the Jets.
“I’m very curious to see what the next step is,” said Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic. “What happens if and when he does get benched? A lot of times, when teams bench the quarterback, they make them third string. Are they going to do that with Justin Fields?”
The Challenges Ahead for Fields
Despite being benched, Fields remains under contract for the 2025 and 2026 seasons with $30 million in guaranteed money. His immediate future with the Jets, however, is uncertain. Rosenblatt raises the point that even if Fields is benched, the team might not be able to fully move on from him, especially given Tyrod Taylor’s injury history.
This brings up an uncomfortable reality: how can the Jets go back to Fields if Taylor struggles or gets injured? Furthermore, with Fields’ reputation taking a hit due to Johnson’s harsh comments, will the quarterback be able to maintain his professionalism and continue to be the leader he was earlier in the season?
Fields' Response to the Criticism
Though Fields has consistently tried to avoid controversy, this situation presents a huge challenge for the young quarterback. Being publicly criticized by the team owner is a difficult pill to swallow, and it raises questions about his future with the Jets. Fields, who was named a team captain this year, now faces the added burden of being a high-profile backup under an increasingly skeptical regime.
Potential Trade Destination
Given the circumstances, it seems likely that the Jets could be looking to move on from Fields, especially if they find a team willing to take a chance on him. With his ability to play as a dual-threat quarterback, teams with a strong offensive system built around a mobile quarterback, such as the Baltimore Ravens, may see Fields as a potential addition.
Conclusion
The Jets’ quarterback situation has become a soap opera. After signing Fields to a two-year, $40 million deal just this offseason, the Jets now face the prospect of cutting ties with him midway through the season. What comes next for Fields is unclear, but one thing is certain: it will be a major storyline in the coming weeks. Whether he’s benched, traded, or reasserts himself in the lineup, the quarterback’s future with the Jets is hanging in the balance.
Should the Saints Bring in Russell Wilson to Mentor Spencer Rattler and Tyler Shough?
The New Orleans Saints are in a precarious position. With a disappointing 0-3 start to the season and an offense that has struggled to find rhythm, the team is searching for answers. Spencer Rattler, the newly appointed QB1, has shown flashes of potential but lacks the consistency and leadership needed to carry an NFL franchise. Rookie Tyler Shough, while promising, is still raw and adjusting to the speed and complexity of the professional game. In this context, the idea of bringing in a veteran quarterback like Russell Wilson isn’t just intriguing—it might be essential.
Russell Wilson, despite recent ups and downs in his career, remains one of the most experienced and accomplished quarterbacks in the league. His resume includes a Super Bowl title, multiple Pro Bowl selections, and years of playoff experience. More importantly, Wilson is known for his work ethic, poise under pressure, and ability to lead both on and off the field. For a young quarterback room like the Saints’, his presence could be transformative.
The Saints’ offensive struggles are not just about talent—they’re about cohesion, decision-making, and execution. Through three weeks, the team has scored only 47 points, ranking near the bottom of the league in scoring despite decent yardage totals. This disconnect between moving the ball and finishing drives suggests a lack of situational awareness and leadership in key moments. Wilson’s veteran instincts could help bridge that gap. He’s been in nearly every scenario imaginable and knows how to manage games, read defenses, and make smart decisions when it matters most.
Beyond stabilizing the offense, Wilson could serve as a mentor to both Rattler and Shough. Rattler, known for his arm talent and confidence, still needs to refine his decision-making and leadership style. Shough, meanwhile, is just beginning his NFL journey. Having a seasoned quarterback in the room could accelerate their development, offering insights that no coach or film session can replicate. Wilson’s mentorship could help instill habits, routines, and mental frameworks that shape their careers for years to come.
Of course, bringing in Wilson would come with challenges. There’s the question of salary cap space, locker room dynamics, and whether Wilson himself is willing to take on a backup or mentoring role. But if the Saints can navigate those hurdles, the potential upside is significant. Wilson wouldn’t need to be the long-term answer—just a bridge, a stabilizer, and a teacher.
So, would you want to see Russ in New Orleans? If the goal is to build a sustainable future while salvaging the present, the answer might be yes. The Saints need leadership, experience, and a guiding hand for their young quarterbacks. Russell Wilson could be the missing piece—not just for wins this season, but for the growth of the franchise’s future stars.
