Ex-Ohio State QB Justin Fields in the mix to replace $112.5 million star
Former Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Justin Fields is already attracting interest ahead of NFL free agency.
Fields is plotting his next move after going 4-2 as a starter with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2024, a season that saw him replaced by Russell Wilson.
Despite the Steelers electing to bench the former 11th overall pick in the 2021 draft, Pittsburgh is interested in potentially bringing Fields back, but the ex-Chicago Bear is also a target for another team looking for a new quarterback.
Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz reported the Steelers are maintaining an open dialogue with Fields and Wilson, with both quarterbacks bound for unrestricted free agency.
However, the New York Jets are also high on Fields as a potential successor for Aaron Rodgers, having decided to bring his three-year, $112.5 million contract to an early end.
Fields averaged just 110 passing yards per game across his six starts for the Steelers, though he did provide significant value as a runner, rushing for 289 yards and five touchdowns at a success rate of 54.8 percent that marked the highest of his pro career.
As they reset in the post-Rodgers era, the Jets may be looking to maximize Fields’ rushing impact by pairing him with their exciting young running back Breece Hall.
Fields’ pro career has certainly not gone to plan to this point, but it’s clear the NFL isn’t ready to give up on him just yet.
