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.
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.”
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.
.@Espngreeny told me the perfect #Jets QB developmental plan for 2026:
Select a QB in the 1st round of the #NFLDraft Sign a legit veteran QB “who can start” for the full season DO NOT LET THE ROOKIE QB PLAY IN 2026
#JetUp
FULL INTERVIEW: t.co/uTqNTY9MdI
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.
In an emotional moment that has captured the attention of the college football world, Lamar Jackson has provided an update on the health of Colorado Buffaloes head coach after he was hospitalized due to a serious medical complication earlier this week. The normally private Lamar Jackson took to the media to reassure the football community, acknowledging that his father, mentor, and the face of the program is now “stable” after undergoing crucial treatment and continues to be closely monitored by medical professionals.
Lamar Jackson, who typically keeps family matters private, made the decision to speak out in order to keep fans and the community informed during this challenging time. His voice calm but heavy with emotion, Lamar Jackson shared that his father’s recovery is progressing, and while the situation remains serious, he remains optimistic.
“This is the toughest time I’ve ever been through,” Lamar Jackson admitted. “But I want everyone to know that my dad is fighting like he always does. He’s been through a lot in his life, and this time is no different. He’s a warrior, and he’s staying strong.”
The sudden hospitalization of the coach—who is the heart and soul of the Buffaloes program—has left the entire team in shock. Players, coaches, and the Colorado community immediately rallied behind the family, sending messages of support, organizing prayer sessions, and putting up banners of encouragement throughout the campus. Even other NCAA schools have expressed their well wishes for the iconic head coach.
“I just want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone,” Lamar Jackson said. “The messages, the prayers, the love you’ve shown to my dad and our family have helped me stay strong during this time. You’ve shown me that football is not just a game. It’s a community, it’s about people, it’s about unity.”
Despite the personal difficulties, Lamar Jackson confirmed that he remains focused on leading the Buffaloes’ offense. He shared that his father—a man who embodies strength and determination—would want him to continue pushing forward on the field and not let outside challenges affect the spirit of the team.
The inside sources from the team have confirmed that the head coach will take a temporary break to fully recover, while assistants and the management team will take over coaching duties for the time being. Though there is no confirmed timeline for his return, Lamar Jackson’s resilience has brought renewed hope.
“I believe my dad will come back,” Lamar Jackson said confidently. “He’s a fighter. He never backs down.”
As the Colorado community continues to await positive news, Lamar Jackson’s heartfelt statement has become a source of inspiration for the entire team—a reminder that behind every game are real-life challenges, love, and immense strength.