Justin

Fields

Fields would incur a $22 million dead cap hit and save the Jets only $1 million against the cap if released, and yet Rosenblatt still believes that is a likely scenario because the Jets are not lacking for cap space. Fields would likely find backup work somewhere if released, but the Jets runout appears likely to have been his final chance to cut it as a starter in the NFL. Rosenblatt also notes that it’s unlikely any team would trade for Fields at this point.

Fields reportedly declined the invitation to focus on his offseason training as he continues his bid to return as a franchise quarterback after a tumultuous beginning to his career. Fields enters 2026 in the final year of a two-year deal signed with the Jets prior to the 2025 regular season but appears to be on the outs with the franchise, potentially auditioning for a backup gig somewhere else. The dual threat quarterback has started 53 games during a five-year NFL career while playing for three different franchises in the three previous seasons.

So, probably not then. Fields enters year two of a two-year contract as either a trade possibility or a candidate for release. The trade would save more cap space for the Jets, so we’d expect them to pursue that avenue. Fields would still be a fairly good backup quarterback option for most teams even if he hasn’t delivered great results as a starter. The 2021 first-rounder turns 27 in March.

Fields looked downright unplayable for much of 2025, struggling to complete 10 passes at times and crossing 200 yards passing in just four of nine starts. The Jets also failed to really utilize his legs on designed plays for much of the season, leaving him with the worst of both worlds as a fantasy contributor. Still somehow only 26, Fields is no guarantee to see out the second year of his two-year contract with the Jets. A post-June 1 release would save the Jets $10 million in cap space. He also is a trade possibility. The knee injury is not incredibly significant, with Fields telling reporters in the locker room last week that he felt “week to week,” so he should be healthy for the offseason.

Fields will function as the team’s emergency QB3 as Tyrod Taylor backs up Brady Cook, who’s making his second NFL start. Fields has likely played his last snap with the Jets. Mason Taylor (neck) being sidelined should open up more snaps and pass routes for TE Jeremy Ruckert, who this week signed a contract extension with the Jets.

Fields talked to reporters on Friday and said he is “week to week” and “trying to get back before the end of the season.” Those don’t read like the quotes of someone who will be active in Week 16, but here he is on the questionable line, daring the Saints to prepare for him or something like that.

Cook finished as the overall QB26 last week against the Jaguars. Although this week’s opponent fields a more fantasy-friendly defense, Cook remains a low-end QB2 at best. Both QB Tyrod Taylor (groin) and QB Justin Fields (knee) are returning from injury. Jets head coach Aaron Glenn said that the healthier player will be given the No. 2 quarterback role on game day.

Glenn’s delayed decision to name a starter could be due to injuries, as Justin Fields (knee) and Tyrod Taylor (groin) were both unable to play in Week 15, or he just wants more time to evaluate his QB room full of backups. Brady Cook threw for 176-1-3 in his first career start against the Jaguars in Week 15, and would get the Saints in Week 16 if he were to be named the starter. The situation is a clear: ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Taylor missed practice on Wednesday and Thursday, so this news doesn’t come as much of a surprise. With Justin Fields (knee) also ruled out, rookie UDFA Brady Cook will make his first career start in Week 15 against the Jaguars. Adrian Martinez will serve as his backup.

Tyrod Taylor was also absent during the portion of practice open to the media. All signs point to Brady Cook making his starting NFL debut on Sunday. Cooks took over for Taylor mid-game last week and was a disaster. He completed fewer than half of his attempts and was intercepted twice. Cook also took six sacks. Cook being named the starter would take Aondai Mitchell and John Metchie off the fantasy radar for Week 15. Cook himself won’t be a fantasy option, even in Superflex leagues.