Who could replace Justin Fields?
By: Jake Rajala
It’s official: the New York Jets traded the former first round pick Justin Fields to the Kansas City Chiefs for a 2027th sixth round pick. I expect Fields to be the QB2 behind Mahomes. If Mahomes isn’t ready to start in Week 1, then Fields should ger the green light. I believe this leaves a void at their QB spot, regardless of the trade for Geno Smith recently. With that said, an interesting question looms: who could replace him?
Tyrod Taylor
Tyrod Taylor played with the Jets over the prior two seasons, so there’s chemistry there. He can make plays with his legs, just as much with his arm. He had 143 rushing yards. The two downsides is that he went 1-3 last season. He wasn’t quite able to squeeze out a winning record. He is also 36 years old, so he likely has a couple more seasons at most. It’s been over 10 years since he started a full season. I still believe he can step in at a game and keep his team with a serious chance to win.
Spencer Rattler
Spencer Rattler wasn’t only expected to be a first round pick. He was expected to be a first overall pick! Rattler has a lot of arm talent. He has been compared to Jay Cutler, who was quite the gunslinger. The Saints starting QB moving forward is Tyler Shough. Shough was second in OROY last season and he went 5-4, as well. Rattler could still be a starting QB in this league. Rattler threw eight touchdowns to five interceptions in nine games last season. He is still working on taking less sacks and be more effective on 3rd and long. Shough is excellent on third and long.
Russell Wilson
Russell Wilson is very similar to the dual threat QB Justin Fields. They have an impressive deep throw and they can make plays with their legs. It has even been reported that the Chiefs considered signing Wilson before acquiring Fields. Wilson is more of a quality QB2 right now. He went 0-3 last season with the Jets. I won’t place a lot of blame on him, as every QB struggles in a Jets uniform. He went 6-5 in a Steelers uniform in 2024.
Jacoby Brissett
The former New England Patriot Jacoby Brissett did a fine job of replacing Kyler Murray for 14 games last season. He unleashed 23 passing touchdowns to eight interceptions and threw 3,366 passing yards. He also happened to be my fantasy QB. He did only win one game, but I place a lot of blame on his defense for being 29th in PPG allowed.
Jimmy G
Jimmy G hasn’t started in a while, but that doesn’t make him a bad QB. He has learned under Sean McVay over the past couple of seasons. He is still 34, so he should have some gas left in the tank. He threw 16 touchdowns to four interceptions in 2022. He also went 7-3 in the season. 2022 was the last time that he played more than six games. I believe there is some NFC Championship magic left in him. He has impressive accuracy, but he can make some horrible throws on occasion.
Zach Wilson
It would be quite poetic if the high draft pick Zach Wilson returned to the Jets, also known as the team that drafted him. Perhaps he can show growth and poise this time around. He did go 5-4 in 2022, so he has shown to be a winner. I’d love to see him return with more weapons. I like that they kept Breee Hall and they didn’t trade Garrett Wilson. Wilson is still 26 years old, which is the same age as the 2025 rookie Tyler Shough. Hence, there’s still time for him to shine and earn a hefty contract.
Carson Wentz
Thoe former legendary Eagle Carson Wentz did an admirable job as a QB2 last season. He threw six touchdowns to five interceptions, 1,216 passing yards, a 65.1 completion percentage, and he had a 2-3 record. I would have liked to see him have a 3-2 record. PFF was far from kind to him, as they gave him a grade of 50.4.. He has never thrown more interceptions than touchdowns in his career, however. Wentz is 33 years old, so he could have several more seasons left in him.
Honorable Mention:
Dillon Gabriel
Dillon Gabriel was drafted in the third round of the 2025 draft. I still believe it’s Shedeur Sanders’s job to lose. Gabriel still has some arm talent. He threw seven touchdowns to two interceptions last season. PFF was worse to him than Wentz. He had a grade of 49 last season. The left handed QB could benefit from change. The Browns also have putrid weapons for any pocket passer. I also expect Deshaun Watson to be traded, as well.
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