Steelers Now
The New York Jets have benched former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields in favor of veteran backup Tyrod Taylor for the team’s Week 7 game against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday.
After a strong season opener against the Steelers, Fields has been struggling for most of the season for the 0-6 Jets.
In the first half on Sunday against the Carolina Panthers, Fields was 6 of 12 for 46 yards — a 3.8 yards per attempt average and a 59.7 passer rating. Though he did not turn the ball over, he was sacked three times. Fields also rushed four times for 22 yards.
The Jets were trailing, 10-3 at halftime when new head coach Aaron Glenn decided to go with the veteran Taylor.
On the season, Fields has competed 86 of 135 passes (63.7%) for 845 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions. His passer rating is 91.1.
Last season with the Steelers, Fields also made six starts, and completed 106 of 161 passes (65.8%) for 1,106 yards, five touchdowns, one interception and a 93.3 passer rating.
Fields was a free agent at the end of the 2024 season, and the Steelers had a dialogue with him about returning, but he ended up preferring the offer from New York. The Jets gave him a two-year, $40 million contract with a $15 million signing bonus and $30 million guaranteed. If they release Fields after the 2025 season, he will incur a $22 million dead cap hit.
The Steelers could be harmed by Fields’ benching. They are currently projected to earn a fourth-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft thanks to the NFL’s compensatory draft pick formula for departing free agents. Contract value and playing time are the primary components of that formula, so Fields’ benching could drop that pick down from its current expected value.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Former Steelers QB Justin Fields Benched By NY Jets
