Jets reach 2-year, $40M deal with QB Justin Fields, sources say - ESPN

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — One month after saying goodbye to Aaron Rodgers, the New York Jets addressed the quarterback position on the first day of free agent negotiating period, agreeing to terms Monday with former Pittsburgh Steelers backup Justin Fields, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Fields, 26, will sign a two-year, $40 million contract that includes $30 million in guarantees, the sources said. The former Chicago Bears first-round pick is expected to be the Jets' opening-day starter, ahead of holdover backup Tyrod Taylor, but this isn't a long-term commitment. The Jets, who also could add a quarterback in the draft, can re-evaluate the position after the 2025 season.

Rodgers has emerged as a quarterback option for the Steelers, league sources told Schefter on Monday.

This is a major move for the Jets' new regime, headed by general manager Darren Mougey and coach Aaron Glenn, who lured him away from the Steelers. They identified Fields as the player they want to lead the franchise into a new era.

Fields will be reunited with wide receiver Garrett Wilson. They were teammates for two seasons at Ohio State (2019-2)0. Fields was drafted 11th overall in 2021, nine spots after the Jets selected quarterback Zach Wilson, who was replaced by Rodgers and traded last offseason.

Fields will lead a depth chart that includes Taylor and 2024 fifth-round pick Jordan Travis, who sat out last season due to a college leg injury.

Fields, 26, landed with the Steelers a year ago via trade with the Chicago Bears. Ahead of selecting quarterback Caleb Williams with the No. 1 pick in April's draft, Chicago shipped the former first-round pick to the Steelers in exchange for a 2025 sixth-round selection.

Though Russell Wilson was named starting