The New York Jets have turned to Justin Fields as their quarterback to guide the team into the post-Aaron Rodgers era. However, his long-term future with the franchise remains uncertain. Fields, now on his third team in five years, was initially drafted 11th overall by the Chicago Bears but was moved after three seasons as their starter. He then began the 2024 season with the Pittsburgh Steelers, starting six games before Russell Wilson returned from injury and reclaimed the role.
Despite signing a $40 million contract with the Jets, Fields’ deal allows the team to move on after just one season if necessary. He is expected to start in Week 1, but New York, which holds the No. 7 pick in this year’s NFL Draft, has been projected to select Ole Miss quarterback ,the third-ranked QB prospect on most draft boards.
NFL.com’s Chad Reuter noted on March 21 that Fields could follow in the footsteps of veteran quarterbacks such as Sam Bradford (Eagles, 2016), Mike Glennon (Bears, 2017), Andy Dalton (Bears, 2021), Mitch Trubisky (Steelers, 2022), and Kirk Cousins (Falcons, 2024)—all of whom were signed as short-term starters before their teams drafted a quarterback in the first round.
In this scenario, the Jets admire Dart’s physical skills and work ethic, hoping he or Fields can establish themselves as a leader in 2025 and help end the franchise’s lengthy playoff drought. Dart, who started for Ole Miss over the past three seasons, had an impressive 2024 campaign, throwing for nearly 4,300 yards, 29 touchdowns, and just six interceptions while completing 69.3% of his passes.
