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Pittsburgh Steelers sign former New York Jets player, but it’s not Aaron Rodgers

Matt Higgins — Wed, 12 Mar 2025 21:03:07 +0000

Jan 16, 2022; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; A general view of a Pittsburgh Steelers helmet against the Kansas City Chiefs in an AFC Wild Card playoff football game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Rumors are swirling that Aaron Rodgers could become the Pittsburgh Steelers’ starting quarterback for 2025.

With Justin Fields signing a two-year deal with the New York Jets and Russell Wilson visiting both the Cleveland Browns and New York Giants this week, Pittsburgh finds itself hunting for a new signal caller.

Rodgers, who has now officially been released by the Jets after two turbulent seasons, has reportedly long been a favorite of Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin.

If the Steelers do sign Rodgers, they would acquire a 41-year-old future Hall of Fame quarterback who brings considerable baggage. He threw for nearly 4,000 yards and 28 touchdowns during a disappointing 5-12 Jets season in 2024, though context matters – he attempted the second-most passes in the league while often playing from behind.

As Pittsburgh awaits Rodgers’ decision, the team has already secured one of his former teammates.

Pittsburgh Steelers sign former New York Jets cornerback

Credit: Shaun Brooks-Imagn Images

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports that the Steelers have signed former Jets cornerback Brandin Echols to bolster their secondary depth and special teams.

The #Steelers are expected to sign former #Jets CB Brandin Echols, sources say. He should provide key secondary depth and more. pic.twitter.com/t5fQIVJOcf
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 12, 2025

The Jets selected Echols in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft. Last season, he appeared in 16 games (making four starts), recording two interceptions, three pass breakups, and one fumble recovery while playing 38% of defensive snaps. He also contributed on special teams for 46% of plays.

Throughout his four-year stint in New York, Echols appeared in 57 games with 19 starts, amassing five interceptions, two pick-sixes, and 16 pass breakups.

Contract details remain undisclosed.

This signing follows Pittsburgh’s recent acquisition of cornerback Darius Slay on a one-year, $10 million deal after his release from the Philadelphia Eagles.

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NFL rumors: Pittsburgh Steelers insider warns signing Aaron Rodgers could doom front office

Matt Higgins — Wed, 12 Mar 2025 17:21:23 +0000

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The Pittsburgh Steelers find themselves at a pivotal quarterback crossroads as they currently have no starter locked in for 2025.

After steering the Steelers to an impressive 4-2 record through six starts last season, Justin Fields bolted for the New York Jets, securing a lucrative two-year, $40 million deal with $30 million guaranteed. Fields’ departure came after his benching for Russell Wilson, who had been sidelined with a calf injury during Fields’ hot start.

Wilson ultimately guided Pittsburgh to a playoff berth, but his campaign ended on a sour note with five consecutive losses, including a Wild Card round elimination at the hands of the Baltimore Ravens. Now a free agent himself, Wilson remains in limbo waiting for suitors.

Meanwhile, speculation swirls around the black and gold potentially targeting future Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers, who’s coming off two tumultuous seasons with the Jets. Despite posting respectable numbers — 3,897 yards and 28 touchdowns — Rodgers couldn’t elevate New York beyond a dismal 5-12 record.

Pittsburgh Steelers insider sounds alarm on potential Aaron Rodgers acquisition

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The Athletic’s Mike DeFabo reports that while Rodgers “seems like the most likely marriage” for the Steelers, the move carries substantial risk. At 41, Rodgers brings not just his elite pedigree but also unnecessary drama to an organization known for stability.

“After vacationing in Egypt during mandatory minicamp last year, Rodgers was a shell of his former self in his first full season with the Jets,” DeFabo notes. “He appeared timid when it came time to throw downfield. Once a magician with mobility, buying time to create outside of structure, Rodgers transformed into a statue. As a result, he was one of the NFL’s worst QBs against the blitz, with a minus-0.20 EPA per dropback against five or more rushers. Only Anthony Richardson was worse.”

DeFabo warns that Pittsburgh’s front office could suffer the same fate as former Jets GM Joe Douglas, who was fired mid-season after going all-in on the Rodgers experiment.

“Steelers assistant general manager Andy Weidl’s best friend in the business is former Jets GM Joe Douglas, who once was seen as an up-and-coming builder after drafting the offensive (Garrett Wilson) and defensive (Sauce Gardner) rookies of the year in the same 2022 class. But because Douglas believed in Rodgers too much—and tried to surround the QB with his preferred players—he’s now without a job.

“The Steelers’ decision-makers are flirting with the same fate.”

The Jets’ 2024 meltdown didn’t stop with Douglas. Head coach Robert Saleh was shown the door after Week 5 following a loss to Minnesota that dropped New York to 2-3. They managed just three more victories after his departure.

DeFabo cautions that if Pittsburgh does pull the trigger on Rodgers, they must limit their commitment to a short-term arrangement as a bridge quarterback.

“But if they overcommit, they might be sentencing the franchise to its own darkness retreat,” he warns.

The Steelers have positioned themselves financially for a splash, trading for star wideout DK Metcalf from the Seattle Seahawks and signing him to a five-year, $150 million deal. With $64.4 million in available cap space according to OverTheCap.com, Pittsburgh has the financial flexibility to make a move — but wisdom needs to guide their quarterback decision.

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New York Jets sign former first-round QB to $40 million contract

Andrew Buller-Russ — Mon, 10 Mar 2025 18:52:36 +0000

Jim Dedmon-Imagn ImagesJim Dedmon-Imagn Images

The New York Jets have a fresh quarterback to replace Aaron Rodgers, who, despite having won four NFL MVP awards and winning a Super Bowl, still does not have a new team. Yet, the Jets don’t care, because they got their Rodgers replacement.

Who will be quarterbacking the Jets in 2025? It’s actually someone who’s known more for what he’s achieved with his legs than his arm. But he’s definitely getting paid like a quarterback as opposed to a running back.

New York Jets sign Justin Fields to contract worth $20M per season

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While the Pittsburgh Steelers were interested in re-signing him, Justin Fields reportedly only wanted to go back if he was guaranteed the team’s starting quarterback job. That didn’t happen.

So, Fields is moving on, to the New York Jets.

According to ESPN’s NFL insider Adam Schefter, the Jets have signed Fields to a two-year contract worth up to $40 million. It also includes $30 million in guarantees.

At that rate, Fields is fully expected to begin the season as the Jets’ starting quarterback, where he’ll reunite with former Ohio State teammate Garrett Wilson. Fields led the Steelers to a 4-2 record last season and he’s still just 26 years old.

Teams are itching to try to uncover the next young, overlooked quarterback who has yet to reach his full potential, and the Jets believe they’ve found theirs with Fields.

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Kansas City Chiefs, Washington Commanders, New England Patriots reportedly competing for top OL

Matt Johnson — Mon, 10 Mar 2025 11:46:32 +0000

Geoff Burke-Imagn ImagesGeoff Burke-Imagn Images

The Kansas City Chiefs, Washington Commanders and New England Patriots are among the teams in the market for offensive line help heading into NFL free agency. With Trey Smith and Ronnie Stanley off the board, clubs are turning their focus to another veteran option poised to hit the open market.

Kansas City prevented Smith from hitting free agency, applying the franchise tag to him which he signed on Sunday. However, it forced the club to trade All-Pro guard Joe Thuney and there’s still a glaring need at offensive tackle. Meanwhile, the Patriots, Commanders and Cincinnati Bengals are also looking for help at both offensive tackle and guard

Related: NFL free agency predictions

There are plenty of options available at both spots. At offensive tackle, Cam Robinson is the best option with quality starters like Patrick Mekari, Dan Moore Jr., Tyron Smith and Jedrick Willis behind him. At guard, Will Fries is the best player available with Teven Jenkins, Mekhi Becton and Kevin Zeitler close behind. However, a veteran option has popped up in NFL rumors as a veteran option.

According to The Athletic‘s senior NFL reporter Dianna Russini, the Chiefs, Commanders, Patriots and Bengals have all shown interest in signing offensive tackle Morgan Moses

Moses, age 34, spent last season with the New York Jets. The 6-foot-6 offensive tackle started 14 games at right tackle, rating as one of the best pass protectors at his position. According to Pro Football Focus, he allowed just 2 sacks and 16 total pressures in 467 pass-blocking snaps last season. He’s also been a very good run blocker before the 2024 campaign.

New York also wants to re-sign Moses, but the number of suitors involved might complicate matters. If he wants to compete for a championship, the Chiefs, Bengals and Commanders all offer a more viable path to the Super Bowl. If he’s looking for the biggest payday possible, Washington and New England have the most cap space in the NFL.

Moses has spent his entire career at right tackle and would fill an obvious need for the Patriots, Bengals, Commanders, Patriots and Jets. Kansas City is a more interesting destination. Jawaan Taylor is currently the team’s right tackle, but he’s largely been a liability. While he could be benched in favor of Moses, that would mean carrying a $27.391 million cap hit on a player to serve as a reserve next season. It would still be an upgrade for the Chiefs offensive line, but it would come with a hefty cost.

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New York Jets and New England Patriots expected to make a ‘strong push’ for top cornerback

Andrew Buller-Russ — Sun, 09 Mar 2025 20:32:01 +0000

John Jones-Imagn ImagesJohn Jones-Imagn Images

The New York Jets and New England Patriots typically compete for positioning in the AFC East division as rivals. This offseason, they could find themselves competing to land the same player as both teams look to reshape their defenses around a new coaching staff.

Of course, the Patriots boast the NFL’s most cap space, whereas the Jets are looking for a new identity and need a new quarterback. Both teams do share another thing in common: They each have a first-year head coach with a defensive background. Yet, as noted, now they could be chasing after the same target in NFL free agency.

New York Jets + New England Patriots expected to have interest in Carlton Davis

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The NFL’s official tampering window to negotiate with free agents kicks off on Monday. Teams will then be able to freely discuss contract numbers with any free agent they want.

However, some NFL insiders are already a step ahead, hearing tidbits about which players some teams already reportedly have their eye on.

The latest NFL rumor comes from The Athletic’s Michael Silver, who says both the New York Jets and New England Patriots are expected to make a “strong push” to sign Detroit Lions free agent cornerback Carlton Davis.

“The New York Jets — whose newly hired head coach, Aaron Glenn, was the Lions’ defensive coordinator last season — and New England Patriots are believed to be among the teams who’ll make a strong push for Davis before the start of the league year, which officially begins Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET. Charvarius Ward (San Francisco 49ers) and Byron Murphy Jr. (Minnesota Vikings) are the other top cornerbacks on the market.”
The Athletic’s Michael Silver on New York Jets and New England Patriots

He’s coming off a three-year, $45 million contract, but now he’s reportedly looking for “much more” and is wanting to be paid like a “top 10 or top 15” cornerback. Tennessee’s L’Jarius Sneed was last year’s 10th-highest-paid cornerback and he has an annual average salary of $19.1 million. Davis likely wants more.

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New York Jets reportedly ‘most interested’ in this top QB in NFL free agency

Matt Johnson — Sat, 08 Mar 2025 23:16:26 +0000

Winslow Townson-Imagn Images

The New York Jets entered the NFL quarterback carousel this offseason when they announced Aaron Rodgers would be released. With several quality veteran starters available, one seems to be emerging as the front-runner in the Jets quarterback search.

New York doesn’t seem to be in the market for its next franchise quarterback this offseason. The 2025 NFL Draft class, outside of Cam Ward, is weak at the position with a split on if Shedeur Sanders is even a first-round talent. It seems to be pushing the new-look Jets front office to a different approach.

The Jets’ plan as of now is reportedly adding a veteran quarterback from NFL free agency, signing him to be the ‘bridge’ starter in 2025 with some competition from Tyrod Taylor. Behind Taylor and the free-agent signing will be a rookie quarterback, with the pick likely made on Day 2 of the NFL Draft.

According to Jordan Schultz of FOX Sports, the Jets are “most interested” in signing quarterback Justin Fields. While there are a few other signal-callers on their radar, including Carson Wentz, Fields is atop their free-agent wishlist at quarterback.

Justin Fields stats 2024 (ESPN): 93.3 QB rating, 5-1 TD-INT, 1,106 passing yards, 6.9 yards per attempt, 65.8% completion rate, 289 rushing yards, 5 rushing touchdowns in 10 games

There will be significant competition for Fields. He’s reportedly the preferred option of the Pittsburgh Steelers and he’s on the radar of the Indianapolis Colts. While the New York Giants have been linked to the former first-round pick, they are reportedly more focused on Russell Wilson.

From Fields’ perspective, the Steelers and Jets likely offer the two clearest paths to a starting job in 2025. Pittsburgh is more likely to contend for a playoff spot in 2025, but the Jets offense does feature high-end offensive weapons in Garrett Wilson and Breece Hall.

Fields would be a different type of starter than Jets offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand had with the Detroit Lions, but his dual-threat ability and arm strength could pair nicely with Hall and Wilson. If Fields signs with New York, it will likely be a short-term deal that gives the Jets the flexibility to take a quarterback early in the 2026 NFL Draft or move forward with whichever signal-caller they take on Day 2 this year.

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Last chance for New York Giants brass: Could Aaron Rodgers-Davante Adams reunion save Joe Schoen and Brian Daboll?

Jason Leach — Sat, 08 Mar 2025 19:00:00 +0000

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New York Giants general manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll’s jobs are on the line after the team set a franchise record for losses in a season (14), and let Saquon Barkley and Xavier McKinney leave via free agency only to become All-Pros with their new teams.

They’re both firmly on the hot seat and will be looking for new jobs if the team doesn’t improve significantly this season. Turning the franchise around will be a daunting task, as they face the league’s toughest schedule, need a quarterback, and have several roster holes to fill.

The good news for the duo is that help could be on the way if they’re willing to take a chance and sign Aaron Rodgers and his favorite target Davante Adams.

Adams was released by the New York Jets this week and Rodgers will be released shortly. It won’t be cheap to sign the four-time league MVP quarterback and the six-time Pro Bowl receiver, but acquiring them is probably the best chance that Daboll and Schoen have to stay with the Giants beyond 2025. You never know the type of impact Rodgers can bring to the locker room, but in the Giants’ case, it might be worth the risk.

Rodgers, Adams would give Giants one of best offenses in league

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If the Giants are going to have any chance of winning next season, they need to add serious offensive firepower after ranking 30th in total offense in 2024 and averaging just 16.1 points per game.

Adding Rodgers and Adams to complement Malik Nabers and Tyrone Tracy Jr. would give the team a dynamic set of skill position players that would be difficult for defenses to match up against. If left tackle Andrew Thomas can stay healthy and protect Rodgers’s blind side, the Giants could emerge as one of the surprise teams in the league next season.

The addition of Rodgers and Adams would instantly transform the Giants’ offense from one of the worst to one of the best.

Rodgers and Adams still playing at high level despite age

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Even though he’s 41 and was coming off a torn Achilles, Rodgers put up solid numbers for the Jets last season. He threw for 3,897 yards with 28 touchdowns to 11 interceptions. These numbers look pedestrian compared to his earlier career production, but the last time a Giants quarterback threw more than 25 touchdowns in a season was Eli Manning in 2016.

With nearly two years removed from tearing his Achilles, there’s reason to be optimistic that Rodgers can surpass last season’s numbers.

The 32-year-old Adams appeared in 14 games last season for the Raiders and Jets, catching 85 passes for 1,063 yards with eight touchdowns. It marked the fifth consecutive season where the three-time First-Team All-Pro receiver had over 1,000 receiving yards.

He would likely see significant one-on-one coverage next season with defenses focusing on containing Nabers, which should result in both Nabers and Adams having over 1,000 receiving yards.

Both can be mentors

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If the Giants are able to sign Rodgers and Adams, their time with the team might be short-lived, but their impact on the franchise could be felt for years to come as both can mentor younger players.

The Giants are going to draft a quarterback in the 2025 NFL Draft. The only question is whether they’ll take one in the first round or in the later rounds. Rodgers knows one of the reasons the Giants would be interested in him is to be a bridge quarterback, so that whichever rookie quarterback they draft can learn from the future Hall of Famer.

Sitting behind Rodgers for three seasons in Green Bay had a positive impact on Jordan Love’s career, and the hope would be that he can do the same for the Giants’ rookie quarterback.

Acquiring Adams would help the development of Nabers, as the veteran can teach him the tricks and techniques he’s learned throughout his 11-year career. As great as Nabers’ rookie season was, he can make even bigger strides in year two while receiving guidance from Adams.

Being able to sign both Rodgers and Adams would give the Giants instant credibility and potentially save Schoen and Daboll’s jobs, while also setting up the franchise for future success.

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NFL rumors: Insider shockingly predicts New York Jets will sign former Pro Bowl quarterback to replace Aaron Rodgers

Matt Higgins — Fri, 07 Mar 2025 00:57:45 +0000

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The New York Jets will be on their eighth starting quarterback since 2020, as the Aaron Rodgers era has mercifully come to an end.

The Jets failed to reach their Super Bowl aspirations with Rodgers, as his two years with Gang Green proved disastrous.

He tore his Achilles tendon just four plays into the 2023 regular season on Monday Night Football, costing him the entire year. Rodgers came back in 2024, but he only managed to guide the Jets to a disappointing 5-12 record, prompting owner Woody Johnson to fire both head coach Robert Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas during the season.

With new leadership in place through head coach Aaron Glenn and general manager Darren Mougey, the organization has informed Rodgers they will be parting ways with him and seeking a new signal-caller.

The Jets own the seventh-overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, and it’s uncertain if top quarterback prospects Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders will fall to them. Even if one does, the Jets still need a veteran quarterback to serve as a bridge for the 2025 season.

Insider predicts New York Jets will sign former first-round pick

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With the Jets in search of a quarterback, The Athletic’s Mike Jones surprisingly predicts Gang Green will sign former Pro Bowler Carson Wentz, who spent 2024 as a backup to Patrick Mahomes with the Kansas City Chiefs.

At one time, Wentz, whom the Philadelphia Eagles selected second-overall in 2016, was among the NFL’s most exciting players. During the Eagles’ championship season in 2017, he led the Birds to an impressive 11-2 record before suffering an ACL injury during a game against the Los Angeles Rams. However, subsequent injuries took their toll, and his career took a drastic turn after Jalen Hurts was drafted in 2020. Wentz would stumble to a 3-8-1 record that season before eventually being benched in favor of the rookie Hurts.

Following his Philadelphia departure, Wentz was traded to the Indianapolis Colts, where he lasted just one season before bouncing to the Washington Commanders, Los Angeles Rams, and then the Chiefs.

“The Jets have Tyrod Taylor still under contract, but look for them to bring in another midlevel veteran for competition given that they seem unlikely to have a shot at drafting a top-flight quarterback,” Jones wrote. “Wentz spent last season behind Patrick Mahomes and while not a franchise savior, he could compete for bridge duty.”

If the Jets do sign Wentz, he would simply need to help keep the team competitive until whichever quarterback they draft eventually takes over the reins.

Over nine seasons, Wentz has compiled a 47-46-1 record, while throwing for 22,410 passing yards, 153 touchdowns, and 67 interceptions. He’s also rushed for another 11 scores.

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New York Giants and Jets should have went hard for Pro Bowler the Kansas City Chiefs just traded

Jason Burgos — Wed, 05 Mar 2025 14:51:50 +0000

Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The New York Giants and New York Jets will have new starting quarterbacks in 2025. Whether that be a rookie or a veteran QB, both teams should have made a full court press to land an elite lineman that was traded on Wednesday.

This will be an important next few months for the Giants and Jets. New York City’s professional football teams had disastrous seasons in 2024 as the pair of franchises won a combined eight games this past season. If either franchise hopes to get back to relevancy in 2025, they need to make some big impactful additions this offseason.

Along with having terrible records the last two seasons, the Jets and Giants have something else in common. A major problem at QB. The G-Men gave up on former first-round pick Daniel Jones during the season after more mediocre play. While Gang Green informed NFL legend Aaron Rodgers that their new regime will not require his services next season.

The teams will have a new starting quarterback in 2025 and it could be a rookie. While they both have very nice weapons on offense, it won’t matter if they don’t get the time to make plays. That is why the Giants and Jets should have jumped hard into the chase for a three-time Pro Bowl offensive lineman that was just on the trade block.

Should the New York Giants or Jets have traded for Joe Thuney?

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“The Kansas City Chiefs are engaged in trade discussions surrounding 4x Super Bowl champion Joe Thuney,” The Athletic NFL insider Dianna Russini reported on Wednesday.

While tackles get a lot of the focus on the offensive line, a great guard can be extremely helpful for an offensive line. Especially if they hope to make plays in the run game. The two-time first team All-Pro has been a part of some elite dynasties with the New England Patriots and Kansas City Chiefs. However, he is in the midst of a career peak at 32, and after earning Pro Bowl honors for a third straight season in 2024.

Joe Thuney contract: Five years, $80 million

After the original report, it was revealed that a deal was already completed and the three-time Pro Bowler is headed to the Chicago Bears for a fourth round pick next year.

It was a missed opportunity for both the New York Giants and Jets. For whoever is under center in 2025, the gifted guard could have made a massive difference on and off the field for a pair of teams that need both on the O-line next season.

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New York Jets rumors point to adding young former first-round QB

Andrew Buller-Russ — Tue, 04 Mar 2025 15:04:27 +0000

Jim Dedmon-Imagn ImagesJim Dedmon-Imagn Images

The New York Jets’ quarterback story has been very unique. After years of turnover at the position, the Jets finally thought they found an elite short-term solution by trading for Aaron Rodgers.

Yet, the four-time NFL MVP only got to play one season in New York despite spending two years with the Jets after tearing his Achilles in 2023. Once Rodgers got his chance to suit up for Gang Green, he delivered just five wins. Now, the two sides are parting ways, which means the Jets need another new starting quarterback before the 2025 season kicks off.

Who could the Jets pursue? One option is to reunite Garrett Wilson with his former college QB.

New York Jets could reunite Garrett Wilson with Justin Fields

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Right now, Tyrod Taylor is installed as the New York Jets’ starting quarterback for 2025. While he’s proven to be a highly capable backup who can provide some spot starts, the Jets do not want to move forward with a starting QB who will turn 36 before the season kicks off.

The Jets could find their QB of the future in the 2025 NFL Draft, where they hold the seventh overall pick. Yet, they may prefer to have a better solution on the roster before the draft kicks off, just in case they can’t land their guy.

One option, as The Athletic’s Zack Rosenblatt predicts, is for the Jets to sign Justin Fields, who was Garrett Wilson’s college quarterback with the Ohio State Buckeyes. In fact, Rosenblatt says “there’s been a lot of buzz” about the Jets targeting Fields in free agency this offseason.

“There has been a lot of buzz about the prospect of the Jets going after Fields and it makes some sense — he’s young (25), mobile and might have some untapped potential, even if he’s been inconsistent as a thrower in the NFL.

The most likely outcome for Fields this summer is that a team like the Jets gives him a one- or two-year prove-it type deal loaded with incentives, which would give him a shot at a bigger payday (a la Darnold) in a year or two. Fields has a history with Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson (they played together at Ohio State) and New York will have the cap space to sign him if they’re bidding against other teams — which sounds like a real possibility.”
The Athletic on New York Jets’ QB plans

Taking a shot at quarterbacks with untapped potential feels like the new trend in the NFL, and that may be the exact route the Jets have to take this offseason unless they can convince someone like Sam Darnold to return to the ghostyard at MetLife Stadium.

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