The Pittsburgh Steelers were a presumed favorite to run with Justin Fields as their starting quarterback next season.
However, once the organization turned its eye to 41-year-old Aaron Rodgers instead, the 26-year-old began fielding his options in free agency. The New York Jets, who’d just parted ways with Rodgers, were among those interested in welcoming Fields aboard and in March, both sides agreed on a two-year, $40 million deal. Fields was rewarded with a full-time position and the responsibilities of leading a team, but that wasn’t the factor that lured him to NYC.
Fields explained why the Jets had an upper hand over other organizations this past offseason.
“I’m definitely super excited to be here,” Fields said in a team-released documentary. “Meeting all the new coaches and everybody around the building, and really just excited for a fresh start and we’re ready to get to work. So, I’m super excited. I chose the Jets because No. 1, (Aaron Glenn). The kind of coach he is, how passionate he is about the game, and really just what he brings to the table. Changing the culture around here and wanting to win games and wanting to be great. He knows what it takes to build a team up from the ground up and really get them going. I think that’s why AG is the right guy for the job.”
Fields split starter duties with Russell Wilson last season in Pittsburgh, which was a major change for the duo. Both Fields and Wilson joined the Steelers as capable starting candidates, but their patience and trust in head coach Mike Tomlin paid off once their time was up. Fields completed 65.8% of his attempts while also throwing five touchdowns and one interception across 10 appearances (six starts) with Pittsburgh.
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It might not have been what Fields anticipated upon first joining the Steelers, however, it was enough for the Jets.
The Steelers, meanwhile, have waited weeks to hear back from Rodgers and are currently stuck with Mason Rudolph and sixth-round selection Will Howard as their premier starting quarterback options for Week 1 — against Fields and the Jets on Sept. 7.
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