Jets' Fields wasn't 'really comfortable' after Steelers benching
Quarterback Justin Fields admitted he struggled to acclimate to the backup role after the Pittsburgh Steelers benched him in favor of Russell Wilson last season but said the move didn't influence his choice to sign with the New York Jets.
"It was different for me and a space I wasn't really comfortable," Fields said Wednesday, according to The Athletic's Zack Rosenblatt. "But (Steelers head) coach (Mike) Tomlin made a decision he thought was best for the team. I'm never going to go against that. I just tried to change my perspective and get better in practice."
Fields inked a two-year, $40-million contract with the Jets in March despite the Steelers reportedly making a competitive offer for the dual-threat passer to return for a second season. New York added Fields after releasing future Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers this offseason.
Fields posted a 4-2 record as Pittsburgh's starter in 2024 but was replaced after Wilson returned from a calf injury. Fields finished the season throwing for 1,106 yards, five touchdowns, and one interception, with a career-high 65.8% completion rate. He also rushed for 289 yards and five scores.
Jets head coach Aaron Glenn said during the annual league meeting in March that he envisioned Fields developing more as a passer compared to his previous campaigns with the Steelers and Chicago Bears.
"Obviously, we want to utilize his legs, but we also want him to play quarterback," Glenn said, according to SNY.com's John Flanigan. "That's what he's always wanted to do. I'm not saying he hasn't had a chance to do that in other places, but I know what I want to do with that player."
When asked about Glenn's comments, Fields emphasized his commitment to being a team player and willingness to do whatever the club asks of him, according to Rosenblatt.
General manager Darren Mougey echoed the club's confidence in Fields, saying in March that "Justin is the starter," per team reporter Eric Allen.
Fields expressed excitement Wednesday about reuniting with fellow Ohio State alum Garrett Wilson in New York and contributing to a franchise determined to end a playoff drought dating back to 2010. He added that he's "willing to teach" if the Jets draft a quarterback in April.
Tyrod Taylor, Jordan Travis, and Adrian Martinez are also on New York's quarterback depth chart.
The Bears drafted Fields with the 11th overall pick in 2021. He spent three seasons in Chicago before getting traded to the Steelers last May.