Justin Fields suffered a leg injury during a New York Jets practice session on Thursday, casting doubt over his availability for the upcoming season. This setback threatens the Jets’ quarterback plans, forcing the team to explore alternative options as they prepare for the 2025 campaign.
With Fields sidelined, the Jets face an urgent need to identify a capable quarterback who can step into the starting role, ensuring stability in the backfield while Fields recovers. Here are five potential quarterback candidates the Jets might target to fill the vacancy caused by Fields’ injury.
Top quarterback prospects for the Jets amid Fields’ leg injury
5. Sam Howell’s prospects after mixed performances
Sam Howell is currently competing for a backup quarterback position with the Minnesota Vikings. He has experience as a starter from his time with the Washington Commanders, where he started all 17 games last season and recorded a 3-14 win-loss tally. This record may weigh against him in the Jets’ search, as his past performance raises concerns about readiness for a key starting role.
4. Drew Lock’s potential NFL starting opportunity
Now with the Seattle Seahawks, Drew Lock fills a backup role behind Sam Darnold and is expected to remain a secondary option. However, the Jets could view Lock as a viable temporary starter, recalling his last full season as a starter in 2020 with the Denver Broncos. Acquiring Lock would likely cost the Jets a late-round draft pick but could provide some depth and experience to the roster.
3. Mitch Trubisky’s chance to revive starting career in New York
Mitch Trubisky, entering his ninth NFL season with the Buffalo Bills, faces limited opportunities to start given the durability and form of Josh Allen. The Jets might offer Trubisky his best chance to regain a starting role, potentially acquiring him via a late draft pick or through a roster trade involving a third-string skill player.
2. Kenny Pickett’s bid for a fresh start
Kenny Pickett is currently embroiled in a competition for the starting quarterback role with the Cleveland Browns, contending against Joe Flacco and rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders. With Flacco presently favored to start, Pickett could seek a more secure starting position by moving to New York, giving him the opportunity to remain a starter while also preparing for Fields’ eventual return.
1. Kirk Cousins as a seasoned option ready to start
Kirk Cousins, regarded as the highest-paid backup quarterback in the league, currently backs up Michael Penix Jr. on the Atlanta Falcons. Seeking a better role, Cousins could find an unexpected chance to start again due to Fields’ injury. It is likely the Jets have initiated talks with Cousins, considering his consistent Pro Bowl performances and the team’s pressing quarterback need for next season.
Implications of Fields’ injury for the Jets’ quarterback strategy
Justin Fields’ injury significantly alters the Jets’ preparations for the upcoming NFL season. With a key starter’s status uncertain, the franchise must act swiftly to secure a capable quarterback who can lead the team. Picking from experienced veterans like Kirk Cousins or Mitch Trubisky or younger options such as Kenny Pickett or Sam Howell will be a critical move for head coach Aaron Glenn and the Jets’ management. The decision made in response to Fields’ injury will shape both their immediate competitiveness and the team’s quarterback development moving forward.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What condition does Justin Fields have?
A. New York Jets quarterback Justin Fields mentioned he has been following a vegan and pescatarian diet. He usually eats beans, rice, oats, sweet potatoes, and protein shakes. He also enjoys vegan versions of chicken nuggets and burgers. Recently, he decided to include meat in his meals again after making changes to his diet plan.