Justin Fields’ season is officially over - and his time with the Jets might not be far behind.
Head coach Aaron Glenn confirmed Tuesday that the former Steelers quarterback is heading to injured reserve with a lingering knee issue that just hasn’t healed the way the team hoped. “It wasn’t getting better, as we would like it,” Glenn said. “We want to make sure we get a focus on that, make sure we get him better.”
It’s a disappointing end to a season that never quite clicked for Fields in New York. After being brought in on a two-year, $40 million deal this past offseason, there were hopes - maybe not that he’d be the long-term answer, but at least a stabilizing presence. Instead, Fields struggled to find rhythm in the Jets' offense, throwing for 1,259 yards, seven touchdowns, and just one interception across nine appearances before being benched on November 17.
Now, with the knee injury shutting the door on any late-season comeback, Fields’ future with the Jets is very much in question.
The numbers tell part of the story. While Fields avoided turnovers and showed flashes of the dual-threat ability that once made him a first-round pick, the offense never found consistency with him under center. Whether it was protection issues, scheme fit, or just a lack of chemistry, the spark the Jets hoped for never materialized.
Financially, the Jets have a decision to make. Fields is owed $22 million in guarantees, but by designating him as a post-June 1 cut, they can spread that hit over two seasons. That flexibility could be key as they look to reset - again - at the quarterback position.
All signs point toward the Jets dipping into the 2026 draft class in search of their next signal-caller. Fields was supposed to be a bridge, maybe even a reclamation project with upside. Instead, the bridge never got built.
In the meantime, the Jets will continue their evaluation of rookie Brady Cook, who’s set to make his third straight start this Sunday against the Patriots. Cook’s shown some promise in limited action, and while he may not be the long-term answer either, these reps are valuable for a team that needs clarity at the most important position on the field.
As for Fields, this latest setback adds another layer to a career that’s been defined by potential, flashes, and frustrating stops and starts. Whether he gets another shot in New York - or somewhere else - remains to be seen. But for now, the Jets are moving forward without him.