ClutchPoints
With a fairly manageable schedule and intriguing roster, the New York Jets could theoretically surprise people next season. But they do not necessarily need to clinch a long-awaited playoff berth for the campaign to be considered a success. A new culture and clear on-field improvement will suffice. Completing those crucial objectives revolves heavily around the quarterback.
Following the deflating Aaron Rodgers era, which had many problems beyond the future Hall of Famer himself, the Jets are looking to get significantly younger and faster under center. They signed Justin Fields to a two-year, $40 million contract that includes $30 million guaranteed, believing there to be previously unfulfilled promise that is just waiting to bust out. This critical decision could determine how this new regime fares in the Meadowlands.
With such high stakes, one would assume that adding the supremely athletic yet seemingly limited QB constitutes the Jets’ biggest gamble of the offseason. Not quite. While there are definitely reasons to worry about this commitment — struggled to break out as a passer with both the Chicago Bears and Pittsburgh Steelers and will now play under a defensive-minded head coach in Aaron Glenn — I understand why management scooped him up.
Fields’ elite rushing ability can give the offense vital versatility that it has lacked for some time. Moreover, the former Ohio State star is only 26 years old. If he can find consistent success in the pocket, the Jets might have solved their perennial quarterback conundrum for the foreseeable future. Fields’ upside makes this an acceptable wager. But new general manager Darren Mougey did not hedge his bets.
When trusting an unpredictable QB, it behooves a team to keep its options open. New York went all in on Fields for this season, boldly opting not to further address the position.
Perennial moribund squads do not regenerate without trying something new. However, choosing not to install a safety net is a dangerous chance to take, one that could further postpone the team’s long-awaited return to relevance.
Beyond the damage such a risk can do to their own reputations, Mougey and Glenn should consider the distress another misfire can cause for this incredibly patient fan base. Again, Fields has the skill set to succeed in the right situation, but he has a spotty track record that requires management to take precautionary measures.
Fields is either a wild card who can develop into a long-term starter, or he is there to bridge the gap until the front office finds another franchise quarterback candidate. Based on how New York assembled the QB room, it looks as if the two-time Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year has a stronghold on the No. 1 slot.
I am all for building up a young athlete’s confidence, but the Jets cannot afford to give him the keys to the car without also purchasing insurance. If it was not clear by now, these excessive analogies are all intended to drive home an...
