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In an exclusive interview with the team website, quarterback Justin Fields was asked why he signed with the Jets:
“I think, No. 1, Coach Glenn. I’ve played against him early in my career. I know how passionate he is about the game, the way he coaches, the way his players play. So I think that was the biggest thing for me.
“Our relationship playing against each other means a lot because Detroit, of course, they’ve had a lot of success the past couple of years. So for [Glenn] to want me here is definitely an honor, and I’m going to put it all on the line for him and do all I can to help this team be successful.”
Not questioning his respect and admiration of Coach Glenn. That seems real and legitimate.
But that probably isn’t the #1 reason he signed with the Jets.
As the old movie line goes – “Follow the money.”
The biggest reason Fields signed with the Jets was likely that they blew him away with a 2-year, $40 million contract with $30 million guaranteed.
Not many people saw this player, with his dubious NFL resume, getting that kind of money.
Everybody thought he’d be signed for sure. With his impressive raw skills (world-class speed, rocket arm, great size), there was no question he would get signed, but with a 14-30 career record, who saw him getting the kind of coin he got in his new deal?
His last team, the Pittsburgh Steelers, who had some interest in re-signing him, didn’t see this coming.
“Justin Fields wanted to test the free agent market. I’m sure they [Pittsburgh] didn’t expect him [Fields] to get that kind of offer,” Steelers insider Gerry Dulac said on the NFL Network. “The guy won 10 games in three years in Chicago and played six games last year. That is not a quality body of work to get a $40 million dollar two-year deal, but that is what we see in free agency. That is what we see from teams like the Jets and the [Cleveland] Browns who make decisions like that.”
That last line seemed to be a shot at the Jets and Browns.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported that the Steelers did offer Fields a solid contract, but clearly the Jets’ offer was better.
Remember, Fields played last year on the final year of his Chicago Bears rookie contract for $3,233,448, and played okay in six games, but nothing spectacular, and was replaced by Russell Wilson.
So it stands to reason the Steelers weren’t interested in taking a quantum leap from the 2024 money to $40 million with $30 million guaranteed.
Dulac, from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, has great sources at the Steelers complex, so when he says the Steelers didn’t expect that kind of offer from Fields, you can take it to the bank.
The Steelers clearly feel the Jets overpaid for the player, who has had issues with progressions.
Did they?
Time will tell.
Maybe the lightbulb will come on with Fields in Florham Park, and he will marry his rare natural gifts, with more production in the passing game.
March 20, 2025
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