2 days Ago By Sunni Upal
THE New York Jets have doubled down on their $40 million quarterback decision with a simple statement.The team sent a six-word message about their new direction.GettyThe New York Jets cut ties with Aaron Rodgers after two years[/caption]GettyJustin Fields signed a two-year, $40 million contract with the team[/caption]They cut ties with Aaron Rodgers in free agency after a disastrous two years.
The Jets finished 5-12 in 2024 despite holding high hopes over a playoff berth.New York holds the No. 7 overall pick in the NFL Draft in Green Bay, Wisconsin next month.
But they made a splash in free agency to land Justin Fields on a two-year, $40 million deal.The quarterback joined from the Pittsburgh Steelers after a year battling with Russell Wilson for the starting role.And Jets general manager Darren Mougey was adamant in his stance on Fields as the starter.
“We believe Justin is the starter,” Mougey said.“We believe in Justin. We believe we can win with Justin, so we’re excited about Justin.
”Fields joined his third team having had three seasons with the Chicago Bears.He was the No. 11 overall pick in 2021 and there were high hopes for him in Chicago.
Mougey is confident that promise will be realized in the Big Apple.“You saw it last year,” Mougey said.“He was 4-2 as the starter and probably had some of the best quarterback play of his career.
“We’re going to do everything to support him when he gets here.”Cam Ward, Shedeur Sanders and Jaxson Dart are among the top quarterbacks in this year’s NFL Draft.Rodgers was let go earlier in March and is still unemployed.
He tore his Achilles just four plays into his debut with the team and missed the remainder of the 2023 season.And the Jets won just five games in 2024, leading them to cut ties with the four-time MVP.Rodgers could yet end up in Pittsburgh on Fields’ old team.
He visited the Steelers earlier this month and held meetings with the likes of head coach Mike Tomlin..
