Justin Fields signs with the New York Jets: The Dynasty Fantasy Football Impact
The New York Jets have had a revolving door at quarterback for what seems like an eternity. Since the year 2000, the list of players who have started a game in New York includes the likes of Vinny Testaverde, Chad Pennington, Quincy Carter, Brooks Bollinger, Kellen Clemens, Brett Favre, Mark Sanchez, Greg McElroy, Geno Smith, Michael Vick, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Bryce Petty, Josh McCown, Sam Darnold, Luke Falk, Trevor Siemian, Joe Flacco, Zach Wilson, Mike White, Tim Boyle, and Aaron Rodgers. Yep, 21 different players have started at quarterback in the last 24 years. It’s simply amazing that nobody has been able to secure this job for more than a season or two and has reinforced the idea among some that the franchise is simply cursed.
With Rodgers clearly not having worked out and scheduled to be released in the coming days, the Jets are moving forward in a big way and made a splash today, signing former Steelers and Bears quarterback Justin Fields to a two-year, $40 million deal that includes $30 million guaranteed. The contract give them yet another “franchise savior” and the hope is clearly that Fields works out a lot better than a whole host of the other attempts they’ve made to shore up the position in recent seasons. It’s a signing that has some dynasty ramifications, so let’s re-assess the players involved.
Justin Fields, QB NYJ
What a strange journey it’s been for Fields. After being taken in the first round by the Bears in 2021, he started 40 games for Chicago, throwing for more than 6,500 yards, 40 touchdowns and 30 interceptions. He also rushed for more than 2,000 yards and scored 14 more times on the ground during his time in the Windy City. Unfortunately for him, the Bears made one of the more savvy trades a couple of years ago, sending DJ Moore to the Panthers in a deal that ended up giving them the #1 pick in last year’s draft that they subsequently used on Caleb Williams.
After being sent to the Pittsburgh Steelers, things seemed to be looking up for Fields as he took advantage of a preseason injury to Russell Wilson and started the first six games for the Steelers last year, going 4-2 while posting 1,106 passing yards, 289 rushing yards and accounting for ten touchdowns and just one turnover. However, Pittsburgh believed Wilson would open up the offense more and benched Fields after his hot start in favor of the former Seahawks signal caller. The rest, as they say, is history.
Fields was clearly in play to return as the starter for the Steelers, but likely couldn’t get over what happened last year. Instead, he’ll join a Jets team desperate to win games and one that will provide him with every opportunity to truly establish himself as a capable starter. There are better offenses out there and the Jets do seem to be a revolving door. However, Fields has shown he has real talent and should be able to showcase a different element for the Jets this season.
In the end, this is a good development for his dynasty value. He’s an unquestioned starter in the NFL again and should have at least this season to solidify himself as a long-term solution. His ADP will now rise as he won’t have much competition and while New York is far from a guarantee for dynasty production, it’s certainly better than sitting on the bench in Pittsburgh.
Garrett Wilson, WR NYJ
The fact Wilson has been able to post 279 career catches with 3,249 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns that includes three straight 1,000-yard seasons to start his career is a modern day miracle considering the players who have been throwing the ball at him (not to him, honestly). After all, this offense has been completely and totally inept. In short, this really does showcase his talent and illustrates just how great he really is. Fields is going to need a true WR1 and with Davante Adams out of town, Wilson will be the top dog in the offense. Expecting another 1,000-yard season with a solid number of touchdowns as a low-end WR1 or high-end WR2 should clearly be in the cards for Wilson. While Fields has shown to have some limitations, he’s a major upgrade over most of what the Jets have trotted out there over the past few years and that’s a positive development for Fields.
Breece Hall, RB NYJ
The other constant in the Jets offense should be Hall, who posted 876 rushing yards, 57 catches, 483 receiving yards and eight total touchdowns in what can only be described as a season that would indicate his floor. Hall may lose out on some rushing touchdowns because of how mobile Fields is, but defenses won’t be able to just sell out to stop him the way they have the past few seasons when they just didn’t fear anyone who was under center. The move isn’t bad for Hall, who is primed for a bounceback season and could be in the “buy low” category.
Other Jets Skill Players
This group currently consists of players like Xavier Gipson, and Malachi Corley. However, this is also likely to change a lot in the coming days. At this point, there’s just no need to make any moves with this players, for better or worse.
Free Agent Quarterbacks
With the Jets job now gone, Russell Wilson, Daniel Jones, Rodgers, and others are still searching for new homes. Pittsburgh and the New York Giants have openings, so it seems reasonable to think Wilson ends up in New York with Rodgers in Pittsburgh. Stay tuned.
Ken is on Twitter at DLF_KenK
