Justin Fields and C.J. Stroud, two of the NFL’s rising quarterbacks, have chosen a low-profile approach to their offseason preparations, working hard together away from the spotlight. As the 2025 season nears, Fields has settled into his new role with the New York Jets, carrying significant expectations after signing a two-year, $40 million contract in March. Meanwhile, Stroud aims to rebound from a sophomore season that did not match his explosive rookie year.
Their joint workouts, involving racing, throwing, and consistent reps, reflect a deep understanding of the pressures ahead. Neither player has received extensive fanfare for this collaboration, but their commitment sends a clear signal: they are fully aware of what is at stake in their careers this year.
Justin Fields Seeks Stability and Validation with Jets
Now 26 and on his third NFL team in just five years, Justin Fields has endured a tumultuous early career marked by unmet expectations. Once considered a top-five quarterback prospect based on his college success, Fields is now seen as a potential bridge quarterback for the Jets until a long-term franchise signal-caller emerges.
Last season with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Fields showed flashes of his talent during six starts, compiling a 4-2 record, over 1,100 passing yards, five touchdowns, and just one interception. Additionally, he contributed 289 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns. Despite these signs of promise, his opportunity was cut short when the Steelers reinstated a healthy Russell Wilson midseason, leaving Fields with more uncertainty about his trajectory.
Fields’ statistical improvements last year included a 93.3 passer rating and a 65.8% completion rate, both upgrades over his tenure with the Chicago Bears. Yet, in the competitive AFC East division, such progress does not guarantee success. The Jets have rotated through five starting quarterbacks in six seasons, emphasizing the urgency for Fields to establish himself as a top QB this year.
CJ Stroud Grapples with Sophomore Setbacks
C.J. Stroud rides a parallel wave of pressure, entering the 2025 season on the heels of a stellar rookie campaign and an uneven follow-up year. His rookie season featured over 4,000 passing yards, 23 touchdowns, and the Offensive Rookie of the Year award. However, 2024 saw a dip in production to 3,727 yards and 20 touchdowns, alongside a reduced passer rating of 87.0.
Stroud also faced increased defensive pressure, with sacks rising from 38 in his rookie campaign to 52 during his second season. Though he remains the clear starter on his team, Stroud confronts the challenge of proving he can fulfill the lofty expectations created by his initial breakout performance.
A Shared Commitment to Improvement Drives Them Both
The decision by Fields and Stroud to train together this summer underscores their shared awareness of the demanding road ahead. Their silent collaboration, characterized by solid work ethic rather than media spectacle, highlights the profound understanding each quarterback has of their precarious standing. Neither’s franchise quarterback status is secure, so their offseason focus centers on pushing themselves to meet—and exceed—the expectations of the coming season.
Growing Recognition and Rising Ranking for Justin Fields
Amid this intense offseason grind, Justin Fields is beginning to earn broader respect within the NFL community. The Draft Network ranked him among the top 12 quarterbacks heading into the 2025 campaign, placing him at No. 10 overall. Within the AFC East, only Josh Allen was rated higher. This ranking places Fields ahead of notable quarterbacks such as Tua Tagovailoa and Aaron Rodgers, signaling a bold reevaluation of his potential.
For many, Fields remains an unproven talent, so this placement suggests recognition based not on flashy highlight reels but on promising glimpses from last season’s on-field performance. The Jets’ move to replace Zach Wilson with Fields was a deliberate strategy by General Manager Joe Douglas, who values Fields’ athleticism, enhanced footwork, and capacity to improvise under pressure.
The Pressure to Deliver as the Jets’ Long-Awaited Leader
Despite this encouraging ranking, Fields understands that preseason assessments mean little without results. The Jets, long starved for consistent quarterback stability, have not seen playoff action since 2010, nor have they had a 4,000-yard passer in the same period. The hope Fields brings is cautiously received, as New York’s fan base remains demanding and impatient.
The offseason sessions with Stroud are a foundation, but the ultimate measure will come when the Jets open their campaign at MetLife Stadium and push toward a potential playoff run in January. For Fields, this season may well define whether he is the team’s savior or simply another transient passing option.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. How is Justin Fields managing epilepsy? Justin says that he manages his epilepsy by taking anti seizure medication every day. When he takes his medication, he is able to keep his condition under control. This is evidenced by the fact that he has never missed a game because of epilepsy in his career so far.
A. What medical issue is Justin Fields experiencing?