Justin Fields’ time with the New York Jets appears to be nearing its end.
After signing a two-year, $40 million deal in 2025 to take the reins as the Jets' starting quarterback, Fields was expected to bring stability and playmaking to a position that’s been a revolving door in New York. Instead, the move backfired. Fields struggled mightily, and by season’s end, he found himself on the bench - a tough fall for a former first-round pick once viewed as a franchise cornerstone.
Now, the Jets are faced with a decision. According to reports, Fields is considered a likely cut candidate this offseason.
And while the team will likely explore trade options first - as teams always do in these situations - the market for Fields appears thin. If no takers emerge, New York has two options: release him outright and absorb a $22 million dead cap hit (with just $1 million in savings), or designate him a post-June 1 cut, spreading that cap hit over two seasons and saving $10 million - though those savings wouldn’t materialize until after June 1.
The Jets are in a relatively healthy cap situation, so they can afford to take the financial hit if needed. And given the limited interest around the league, a straight release feels like the most probable outcome.
If Fields does hit the open market, there are a few potential landing spots worth keeping an eye on - teams that could use a veteran quarterback, even if only as depth or a reclamation project.
Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings head into 2026 with J.J.
McCarthy penciled in as their starter, but behind the rookie, they’ll need a veteran presence. Fields wouldn’t walk in as a guaranteed contributor - his NFL résumé to this point doesn’t command that kind of confidence - but he could offer competition and a safety net.
And with head coach Kevin O’Connell’s track record of getting the most out of quarterbacks, there’s at least a sliver of intrigue. If O’Connell could help revive Sam Darnold’s career, perhaps he could do the same with Fields.
San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco currently boasts one of the league’s better quarterback rooms with Brock Purdy and Mac Jones.
But with Jones’ value on the rise after a bounce-back season, he’s become a logical trade chip. Head coach Kyle Shanahan has publicly committed to keeping Jones, but if the right offer comes along, the Niners might be tempted to move him.
Should that happen, Fields could be an interesting fit as a backup in Shanahan’s system - a quarterback-friendly offense that’s helped rejuvenate more than one career. The idea of Fields as the next reclamation project under Shanahan isn’t far-fetched, especially if the Niners are looking for a mobile, experienced option to slot in behind Purdy.
Miami Dolphins
Miami’s quarterback situation is heading toward a crossroads. With expectations that the team will move on from Tua Tagovailoa - either via trade or release - and with backup Zach Wilson set to hit free agency, the Dolphins could be left with only Quinn Ewers in the QB room.
That makes them a clear candidate to bring in veteran competition. Fields wouldn’t be a long-term solution, but as a one-year bridge or depth piece, he could make sense. Miami would offer him a chance to reset his career while giving the Dolphins some insurance as they sort out their future under center.
For Fields, the path forward is uncertain. His time in New York didn’t go as planned, and the league’s patience with young quarterbacks tends to wear thin quickly. But he’s still just a few years removed from being a top-15 pick, and his athleticism and arm talent haven’t disappeared.
Whether it’s Minnesota, San Francisco, Miami, or somewhere else entirely, Fields may get one more shot to prove he belongs in the league - even if it’s not as a starter. The next team that brings him in won’t be banking on him to save the franchise, but they might see a player worth taking a flyer on. And for Fields, that could be the fresh start he needs.