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Rich Cimini
FLORHAM PARK, NJ — Despite recent struggles, New York Jets quarterback Justin Fields Surprised by last week’s demotion, he said Wednesday, “I didn’t expect this at all.”
Fields vowed to become a starter again in the NFL when commenting on the benching for the first time, but he sent mixed signals about whether he wants to remain with the Jets, even though he is under contract through 2026.
Fall fields were changed last week tyrod taylorwhich will start again on sunday atlanta falcons (4-7) at MetLife Stadium. Coach Aaron Glenn said he made the change because he wanted more production from the passing attack, which ranked 32nd in yards.
Not surprisingly, Fields disagreed.
“You can call it whatever you want, but the AG thought it was appropriate, and that’s where he makes the decision,” he said.
Fields signed a two-year, $40 million contract in March ($30 million guaranteed), thinking he would get a full season to show that he could be a long-term starter for the team. But he was sent to the bench for the second consecutive season. a year ago, pittsburgh steelers took his place in favor of Russell Wilson Despite a 4-2 start.
“The first day it happens, it’s hard,” Fields recalled last week. “It probably took me a day and a half to fully accept my role. Then last Friday, I felt myself having a ‘damn’ moment where it was like, ‘Yes, this is actually real.’
“You have to look at life from a positive perspective. I’m fortunate to be in this position, and I know I’ll get another chance. That’s all that matters at the end of the day. So, when I do, I just have to be ready for that moment, I’ll be the best player I’ve ever been on the field.”
Fields, first round selection by Chicago Bears In 2021, he is 16-37 as a starter, including 2-7 with the Jets. He ranks 29th out of 33 qualified passers in total QBR but still sees himself as a starter.
“Of course. Yes, sir,” he said. “I mean, I just know who I am as a person, as a football player, as a hard worker. I think I know I have the mentality and the skills to get it done. I just feel like I need to do it on a more consistent basis, but that’s just it.
“These are the ups and downs of life and I’m in the – quote-unquote – valley right now. But it will do nothing but make me stronger at the end of it.”
Fields is scheduled to make $20 million next season, including $10 million guaranteed, but his status is uncertain. The Jets could reset their quarterback depth chart, possibly with a high draft pick and/or a veteran acquisition.
When asked if he would be able to return as a backup, Fields dodged the question, saying he was only concerned about the present. Later, he said: “I’m not going to have that mentality of ‘Oh, they put me on the bench.’ That’s not who I am.” [going] To play here. I think that’s a bad mentality.”
