Jets and QB Justin Fields agree to
a 2-year, $40 million deal, AP source says
[March 11, 2025]
By DENNIS WASZAK Jr.
Justin Fields was passed over by the New York Jets four years ago in
the NFL draft. Now he's expected to be their No. 1 quarterback.
Fields and the Jets agreed Monday to a two-year contract worth $40
million, a person with knowledge of the deal told The Associated
Press.
Fields likely steps in ahead of veteran backup Tyrod Taylor as New
York's starter in place of Aaron Rodgers after the Jets announced
last month they are moving forward without the four-time NFL MVP
following two seasons. Rodgers, who hasn't announced whether he'll
play a 21st NFL season, is expected to be released.
The deal for Fields includes $30 million guaranteed, according to
the person who spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the
agreement wasn't announced by the team. NFL Network first reported
the deal between Fields and the Jets.
The Jets also agreed to terms with former Baltimore Ravens
cornerback Brandon Stephens on a three-year, $36 million deal and
former Jacksonville safety Andre Cisco on a one-year, $10 million
contract, according to a person with knowledge of the contracts who
spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the agreements
weren't announced.
The 26-year-old Fields spent last season with Pittsburgh after
playing his first three NFL seasons with the Chicago Bears, who
drafted him in the first round — the 11th overall pick — in 2021 out
of Ohio State.
The Jets had the No. 2 overall pick that year and selected
quarterback Zach Wilson, who failed to live up to expectations and
was traded to Denver last year.
New York now will hope that Fields can revive his career with the
Jets, who have a new regime in coach Aaron Glenn and general manager
Darren Mougey. Fields will be reunited with wide receiver Garrett
Wilson, his former college teammate, in an offense that also
includes running backs Breece Hall and Braelon Allen.
Fields has passed for 7,780 yards and 45 touchdowns with 31
interceptions in 50 games, including 44 starts in four seasons. He
has rushed for 2,509 yards and 19 scores.
The agreement with Fields came a day after the Jets reached terms
with linebacker Jamien Sherwood on a three-year deal worth $45
million that includes $30 million guaranteed, keeping one of their
defensive leaders on the roster.
Fields had an inconsistent start to his NFL career with the Bears,
throwing 40 TD passes along with 30 interceptions in 38 starts over
three seasons. Chicago had the No. 1 overall pick in last year's
draft, and rather than stick with Fields they focused on replacing
him under center.
[to top of second column] |
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields (2) in action during
an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Dec.
15, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Derik Hamilton, File)
Fields was then traded to Pittsburgh for a
sixth-round pick in this year's draft and the Bears selected Caleb
Williams to be their new franchise quarterback.
Fields was expected to be the Steelers' backup to Russell Wilson
last season, but Wilson strained a calf and Fields started the first
six games. He helped Pittsburgh to a 4-2 start with five TD passes
and five TD runs and just one INT before giving way to Wilson, who
recovered from his injury and helped the Steelers reach the
playoffs.
Meanwhile, Fields threw just one more pass the rest of the season.
With new offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand, the Jets will try
to balance Fields' arm strength with his athleticism and ability to
make plays with his legs.
The addition of Stephens gives the Jets a replacement in their
secondary for D.J. Reed, who agreed to a three-year, $48 million
deal with Detroit. Stephens was a third-round pick by the Ravens out
of SMU in 2021 and was a starter for the bulk of his four seasons in
Baltimore, first as a safety before moving to cornerback in his
second year.
The 27-year-old Stephens likely will slide into a starting role with
New York at cornerback opposite Sauce Gardner in the defense for
Glenn and coordinator Steve Wilks. Stephens has two career
interceptions and 32 passes defensed.
Cisco is a New York native who was a third-round selection of the
Jaguars out of Syracuse in 2021. The 24-year-old safety started most
of the last three seasons for Jacksonville. He has eight career
interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown, and 24 passes
defensed in 63 games, including 47 starts.
The Jets also announced they placed a right-of-first-refusal tender
on restricted free agent safety Tony Adams, which means they can
match any offers from opposing teams. The tender is for one year and
$3.2 million. Adams has started most of the last two seasons for New
York.
All contents © copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved
 |
