In a move no one saw coming, quarterback Justin Fields has left the New York Jets and signed a two-year, $15.5 million contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers, sending shockwaves through the NFL and leaving Jets Head Coach Aaron Glenn at a loss for words.
The announcement, confirmed late Thursday night, came just weeks before the start of training camps, blindsiding fans, analysts, and reportedly even Fields’ own teammates.
Fields, 26, had been widely expected to remain in New York, where he finished the 2024 season strong after being traded from the Chicago Bears midseason. Under the guidance of Aaron Glenn, Fields showed flashes of brilliance and finally appeared to be settling into a system that complemented his dual-threat talents.
Glenn, who took over as the Jets’ head coach earlier this year, was candid about his shock during a press conference Friday morning.
“I’m speechless,” he admitted. “We had every reason to believe Justin was our guy. We were building around him. I thought we had an understanding. This is a tough one to swallow.”
Fields’ new deal with the Steelers reportedly includes $8 million guaranteed in the first year, with additional performance incentives tied to starts, passing yards, and postseason appearances. Pittsburgh, which has struggled to find a franchise quarterback since Ben Roethlisberger’s retirement, is clearly betting big on Fields’ potential to finally solidify the position.
According to NFL insiders, talks between Fields’ representatives and the Steelers began quietly just two weeks ago, with both sides moving quickly once the Jets stalled in offering a long-term extension.
Fields Breaks Silence
In a heartfelt social media post Friday morning, Fields thanked the Jets organization, his teammates, and New York fans for their support, calling the decision “the hardest of my career.”
“This wasn’t about money,” Fields wrote. “This was about opportunity, stability, and a team that truly believes in me as their future. Pittsburgh showed me that from day one.”
The post included photos of Fields in Steelers gear, shaking hands with Head Coach Mike Tomlin and signing his new contract.
Tomlin, speaking to reporters at the Steelers’ facility, praised Fields’ leadership, toughness, and work ethic.
“We’re getting a competitor, plain and simple,” Tomlin said. “Justin’s ceiling is sky-high, and we believe we can help him reach it.”
Fallout in New York
Fields’ departure leaves a glaring hole in the Jets’ quarterback room, which now includes veteran backup Tyrod Taylor and unproven rookie Malik Spencer, drafted in the fourth round out of TCU. The team’s options are limited with most of the offseason quarterback movement already completed.
Sources within the organization indicate that Glenn and Jets GM Joe Douglas were blindsided by Fields’ decision, believing they had an informal agreement to keep negotiations in-house until after minicamp.
Fields’ sudden exit will no doubt reignite criticism of the Jets’ front office, which has struggled for years to find consistency at the quarterback position.
Fans have taken to social media to vent their frustration, with many expressing disappointment that the team let a promising young QB walk out the door without a fight.
A New Chapter in Pittsburgh
For the Steelers, Fields represents a significant departure from the conservative quarterback play they’ve relied on since Roethlisberger’s retirement. After failed experiments with Kenny Pickett, Mitch Trubisky, and Mason Rudolph, Pittsburgh is ready to hand the reins to a mobile, dynamic playmaker with something to prove.
Offensive Coordinator Matt Canada, retained in part for his ability to design QB-friendly schemes, is reportedly “ecstatic” about Fields joining the team.
“Justin brings a dimension we haven’t had in years,” a Steelers team source said. “This is the start of a new era.”
Looking Ahead
The pressure is now on both Fields and the Steelers to deliver. With a fanbase hungry for postseason success and a division that includes Joe Burrow and Lamar Jackson, expectations will be sky-high from day one.
Meanwhile, the Jets are left scrambling to patch together a quarterback plan with the season fast approaching.
One thing is clear: Justin Fields has just reshaped the landscape of the AFC.
