The New York Jets are not looking good at 2-8 in the AFC East. Because of that, a few adjustments should be made, including benching Justin Fields in favor of veteran quarterback Tyrod Taylor. With this change, the five-year QB is speculated to go to a new team anytime soon.
The move, first reported by Dianna Russini of The Athletic, quickly escalated into a larger conversation about Fields' future, financial implications, and his dwindling trade value heading into 2026.
Jets QB Controversy: What's Next After the Bench?
As per The Athletic's Zack Rosenblatt, the next step remains uncertain for Fields. While a 2026 trade is technically possible, Rosenblatt admitted the odds are slim due to Fields' declining market. He did say quarterback-needy but mobile-offense teams such as the Ravens, Eagles, or Commanders might take a look, though interest would be minor given Fields' recent struggles.
The Jets are making a quarterback change, benching Justin Fields in favor of veteran Tyrod Taylor, per source.
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) November 17, 2025
New York faces Baltimore in Week 12 and ranks last in the league in passing yards per game. pic.twitter.com/Hf7y5WCZGH
A trade would save the Jets roughly $11 million, but it would also hit them with $12 million in dead cap. That reality makes this a more complicated decision for a front office already under intense scrutiny.
Potential Trade Destinations for Justin Fields
On the Flight Plan podcast, Rosenblatt elaborated on the scenario. He thinks the Jets would have to absorb most of Fields' remaining deal and maybe even attach a draft pick just to move him:
"Nobody is going to be interested in him as a starting quarterback. He still sees value, though. "I am intrigued by him as a backup to like a quarterback who is mobile."
He also threw out the idea of Fields being used as a change-of-pace weapon, even behind a pocket passer. Such package-style usage reflects conversations he had with beat reporter Connor Hughes, who said Fields can be an elite performer in a specialized role, not necessarily a conventional QB job.
Jets Face Harsh Reality With Fields' Decline
The Jets know the situation is bleak, despite hopes of recouping any value. Fields has struggled significantly in New York, even revealing he broke down emotionally during a tough week, crying alone in his closet as frustrations mounted.
Given the general lack of interest, the Fields might ultimately be released. That opens up another financial juncture: cutting before June 1 triggers $22 million in dead cap, while a post-June 1 release spreads the hit, dropping it to $13 million in 2026 and saving the team $10 million.
At the same time, Rosenblatt labeled a post-June 1 release as the most realistic path forward because it frees up money, cleans up the quarterback depth chart, and ends a failed experiment without further dragging the franchise into financial chaos.
Originally published on sportsworldnews.com
