Like other previously underperforming quarterbacks, Justin Fields was looking to have a career resurgence in 2025. He found a new home with the New York Jets after signing a two-year contract worth $40 million, a fresh start after mostly struggling through his first four years in the NFL. But things haven’t gone as planned, and Fields’ futures, both with the team and in the league, are in question.
Justin Fields Benched; Will He Start In The NFL Again?
The season reached its tipping point on Sunday. After an 0-6 start under new head coach Aaron Glenn, the Jets remained the league’s only winless team by losing to the Carolina Panthers. Through the first two quarters of the game, Fields completed 6 of his 12 passes and amassed 54 passing yards, and was sacked three times.
Just in: The #Jets have benched QB Justin Fields and Tyrod Taylor is in at QB for their first possession of the second half. pic.twitter.com/cpVPcGGguN
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) October 19, 2025
His poor performance came on the heels of the previous week’s disaster. Against the Denver Broncos in their previous game, Fields led the Jets to the worst passing day in franchise history, in which they finished with a net passing yard total of -10.
The back-to-back flops caused New York to make a change at halftime on Sunday, and Justin Fields was benched in favor of Tyrod Taylor.
While Taylor was able to complete 10 passes in the second half, his completion percentage and passer rating were worse than Fields. He also threw a pair of interceptions, and was sacked three times himself. The Jets lost by a score of 13-6, and their record now sits at 0-7.
Aaron Glenn Hasn’t Committed To A Starter
During his media availability on Monday, Glenn took the podium to speak about his team’s plans at the quarterback position. He didn’t make a commitment to either Fields nor Taylor, telling reporters that he would speak to his coaching staff before making a decision heading into Week 8.
One day after benching Justin Fields as his team fell to 0-7, #Jets coach Aaron Glenn says he’s consulting other coaches who have been in this position before deciding how to proceed at QB. pic.twitter.com/CFrq2W8fbO
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) October 20, 2025
If it is the last that we’ve seen of Justin Fields for the season, it may be the end of his time as a starter in the NFL. His overall record since his rookie year in 2021 is 14-36, and he has 31 career interceptions to go along with his 49 touchdown passes. He has always been more effective with his legs, as he has nearly 3,000 rushing yards through his first 4+ seasons, but it hasn’t been enough to mask his deficiencies from the pocket.
Will Fields Bounce Back Like Darnold, Jones?
Fields is still young enough to continue playing at some capacity in the league. But he has been given multiple chances and seasons to prove his worth as a starting quarterback, and he simply hasn’t delivered thus far.
Granted, he hasn’t been in the best situations thus far, so it is difficult to say with conviction that he is destined for a backup role. There is always the possibility that Fields can bounce back the same way that Sam Darnold, Daniel Jones, and Baker Mayfield have, but he’s running out of chances to do so.
