Jets QB Justin Fields confident he can get the team up and running
Jets quarterback Justin Fields sits courtside during the first quarter between the Knicks and the Philadelphia 76ers at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday, April 1, 2025. Credit: Brad Penner
Justin Fields’ confidence was never shaken, not during the bad times with the Bears or being benched for Russell Wilson last season in Pittsburgh.
Fields, the new Jets’ quarterback, believes he’s an NFL starter and can lead a team to the postseason. He’s not looking to prove it to anyone but himself.
“My expectations for myself are higher than anybody else’s, to be honest with you,” Fields said during a Zoom call Wednesday afternoon. “So something to prove for myself. I think I’ve been improving each year I’ve been in the league, so I look to do the same this year.
“I think my expectations for myself are higher than you guys, higher than all other people in this building. I’m excited to get to work and get things going.”
The Jets have high expectations for Fields, too. They signed him to a two-year, $40 million contract, with $30 million guaranteed.
Known more for his running ability, Fields has thrown for 7,780 yards, 45 touchdowns and 31 interceptions in 50 games over four NFL seasons. He’s gone 14-30 as a starter.
First-year coach Aaron Glenn believes Fields has untapped potential and the Jets can bring more out of him than the Bears or Steelers did.
Glenn and new offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand began working with Fields this week. The Jets kicked off their offseason program on Monday. Fields likes that Glenn and Engstrand plan to build the offense around and cater to their players’ strengths.
Fields and Glenn have some history. Glenn, the former Lions defensive coordinator, game-planned to stop Fields five times when he was with Chicago. Mutual respect and admiration brought them together with the Jets.
“I know his passion for the game, I know how he coaches his players. I know kind of his mentality, so of course excited for that part,” Fields said. “We got Tanner, who also came from Detroit. The things they do on offense and how they utilize the players that they have, so I’m excited to get rolling into that.”
Glenn plans to utilize one of Fields’ weapons — his legs. He’s one of three quarterbacks to run for 1,000 yards in a season. Fields’ 50.2 rushing yards per game ranks second all-time to Lamar Jackson. Fields has only thrown for 155.9 yards per game.
But Glenn also said the Jets want Fields “to play quarterback” and they’re “going to let him play quarterback.”
The plan is to open up the passing game a little more for Fields, who has just two career 300-yard games. One came last year in one of his six starts with the Steelers.
Fields said he just did whatever he was asked to do by his coaches in Chicago and Pittsburgh.
“I’ve never had a problem with that,” Fields said. “I’ve always been a team player.”
Some of Fields’ new teammates believe he’s ready for a breakout season.
“He’s the right man for the job,” new Jets cornerback Brandon Stephens said. “I think he has what it takes to lead this offense, lead this team and I think the sky’s the limit.”
Linebacker Jamien Sherwood said Fields’ dynamic dual-threat ability is “detrimental to a defense” and he “can’t wait to see him do great things.”
Fields played well for the Steelers last year, leading them to a 4-2 record before coach Mike Tomlin gave the football to Wilson. Fields admitted it was “different” for him and “a space where he wasn’t necessarily comfortable.” He also took the high road on what happened.
“Coach Tomlin made a decision that he thought was best for the team and I’m never going to go against that,” Fields said. “I’m not a selfish guy whatsoever. So I just tried to change my perspective and get better each and every day in practice.”
Fields comes to the Jets, knowing he’s their starting quarterback.
He’s reunited with former Ohio State teammates receiver Garrett Wilson. Fields said their relationship hasn’t “skipped a beat” and he expects to “get back on the same page as we were in college.” He also played with tight end Jeremy Ruckert and offensive lineman Josh Myers at Ohio State.
“Everybody is ready to get this thing rolling and get this thing going,” Fields said. “I know everybody around here is very excited and so am I. I’m really just ready to get to work.”
Al Iannazzone covers the Jets for Newsday after spending nearly two decades on the NBA beat with Knicks and Nets.
