Jets' Fields surprised by benching, still sees self as a QB1 - ESPN

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Despite recent struggles, New York Jets quarterback Justin Fields was blindsided by last week's demotion, saying Wednesday, «I did not anticipate it whatsoever.»

Fields, commenting for the first time on the benching, vowed to become a starter again in the NFL, but he sent mixed signals on whether he wants to remain with the Jets even though he's under contract for 2026.

The slumping Fields was replaced last week by Tyrod Taylor, who will start again Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons (4-7) at MetLife Stadium. Coach Aaron Glenn said he made the switch because he wants more production from the passing attack, which ranks 32nd in yards.

Not surprisingly, Fields didn't agree with it.

«You can call it what you want, but AG thought it was justified, and he makes the decisions around here,» he said.

Fields signed a two-year, $40 million contract in March ($30 million guaranteed), thinking he'd get a full season to show he could be the team's long-term starter. But he was sent to the bench for the second straight season. A year ago, the Pittsburgh Steelers replaced him in favor of Russell Wilson despite a 4-2 start.

«The first day it happens, it's tough,» Fields said, reflecting on last week. «It probably took me a day and a half to fully accept my role. Then last Friday, I felt myself in kind of a 'Damn' moment to where it was like, 'Yeah, it's actually real.'

»You kind of just have to look at life from a positive perspective. I'm blessed to be in this position, and I know I'm going to get another shot. That's all that matters at the end of the day. So, when I do, I just have to be prepared for that moment, be the best player I've ever been on the field."

Fields, a first-round pick by the Chicago Bears in