NFL Breaking News: Justin Fields $40M Deal With The Jets – Fantasy Football Implications
In a stunning move that has sent shockwaves through the NFL and fantasy football communities alike, quarterback Justin Fields has signed a two-year, $40 million contract with the New York Jets, including $30 million guaranteed.
The deal, finalized on March 10, 2025, marks a new chapter for both Fields and the Jets as they look to reshape their fortunes following a tumultuous 2024 season with Aaron Rodgers at the helm.
For fantasy football managers, this signing is a game-changer, offering a blend of excitement and uncertainty heading into the 2025 season. Let’s break down what this means for Fields and the Jets’ fantasy outlook.
Fields Lands In New York: A Fresh Start
After spending the 2024 season with the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he went 4-2 in six starts as a temporary replacement for the injured Russell Wilson, Justin Fields hit free agency with something to prove.
His athleticism and dual-threat ability were on full display in Pittsburgh, but he never fully secured the starting role once Wilson returned. Now, the Jets—desperate for a spark after parting ways with Rodgers—have handed Fields the keys to the offense under new head coach Aaron Glenn and offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand.
Fields’ new contract reflects confidence in his upside. At just 26 years old, he brings a dynamic skill set that could thrive in a system tailored to his strengths. The Jets’ roster, while not perfect, offers intriguing pieces like wide receiver Garrett Wilson and running back Breece Hall, potentially setting the stage for a fantasy-friendly environment.
Fantasy Football Impact: QB1 Potential Unleashed?
From a fantasy perspective, Fields has always been a tantalizing option due to his rushing prowess. In 2022 with the Chicago Bears, he averaged 7.1 yards per carry and racked up 1,143 rushing yards, finishing as the QB6 in fantasy points despite uneven passing production. His 2024 stint in Pittsburgh showed growth as a passer—completing 65.8% of his attempts with a 5:1 touchdown-to-interception ratio—but his limited volume (just 10 games, 6 starts) kept him outside the elite tier.
Now, with a clear path to the starting job in New York, Fields could vault into QB1 territory. The Jets’ offense has struggled with consistency, but Fields’ legs give him a high floor. If Engstrand designs a scheme that leans into his mobility—think bootlegs, read-options, and designed runs—Fields could easily approach 800-1,000 rushing yards in a full season. Pair that with modest passing improvements (say, 3,000-3,500 yards and 20-25 touchdowns), and you’ve got a top-10 fantasy quarterback with top-5 upside.
The big question mark? The Jets’ offensive line and supporting cast. Fields has been sacked at an alarming rate in his career (135 times in 40 starts), and New York’s line isn’t exactly a brick wall. If they can’t protect him, his fantasy value might lean heavily on rushing stats rather than a balanced attack. Still, his ability to turn broken plays into big gains keeps him relevant even in tough matchups.
Ripple Effects: Jets’ Skill Players Get A Boost
Fields’ arrival isn’t just good news for quarterback-needy fantasy managers—it’s a boon for the Jets’ skill position players too.
- Garrett Wilson (WR): The star wideout has been a volume monster despite inconsistent quarterback play. Fields’ deep-ball ability (he averaged 8.2 yards per attempt in 2024) could unlock Wilson’s big-play potential, making him a borderline WR1 with WR2 floor. Expect 1,200-yard, 8-10 touchdown potential if the chemistry clicks.
- Breece Hall (RB): Hall’s versatility as a runner and receiver pairs beautifully with Fields’ improvisational style. While Fields might vulture some goal-line carries, Hall’s involvement in the passing game should keep him in the RB1 conversation, especially in PPR leagues.
- Tyler Conklin (TE) and Others: Fields hasn’t historically targeted tight ends heavily, so Conklin remains a low-end TE2 unless the Jets overhaul their passing scheme. Secondary receivers like Mike Williams (if re-signed) or a rookie could emerge as sneaky flex options if Fields spreads the ball around.
Draft Strategy: Where To Take Fields In 2025
Heading into 2025 fantasy drafts, Fields profiles as a mid-round pick with massive upside—think Round 5 or 6 in single-QB leagues, or earlier in Superflex formats. His rushing floor makes him a safer bet than pure pocket passers like Kirk Cousins or Jared Goff, but he carries more risk than proven dual-threat studs like Jalen Hurts or Lamar Jackson. If you’re a risk-taker who loves high-ceiling players, Fields could be your ticket to a championship—or at least a lot of fun along the way.
For the Jets’ skill players, Wilson jumps into the WR1 tier (Round 2-3), while Hall remains a first-round lock. Don’t sleep on late-round fliers like a Jets rookie wideout or a cheap handcuff to Hall, as Fields’ playmaking could elevate the entire offense.
Final Thoughts
Justin Fields’ two-year, $40 million deal with the New York Jets is a fantasy football dream scenario for those who’ve long believed in his potential. He’s no longer a backup or a stopgap—he’s the guy, and the Jets are betting big on his ability to turn their franchise around.
For fantasy managers, this signing is a golden opportunity to snag a quarterback with elite rushing ability and untapped passing potential at a reasonable draft cost. Buckle up, because the Fields era in New York is about to make waves—both on the field and in your fantasy lineup.
Player News
Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel’s Tom Silverstein reports the Packers have received interest and remain committed to waiting for a deal to be made for CB Jaire Alexander.
Silverstein’s sources add that the Packers were close to dealing Alexander near the start of free agency, but that the combination of “trade compensation and Alexander’s willingness to alter his contract to fit the other team’s salary cap have made it difficult to close a deal.” We’ve been blurbing about Alexander’s situation all offseason and nothing has changed to this point. If the draft passes without a trade, we’re likely headed to a place where the Packers would be more compelled to release or keep him than trade him.
Ravens GM Eric DeCosta said “I never know what’s going to happen” when asked if he expects Mark Andrews to be with the team in 2025.
“I can tell you this, Mark Andrews is a warrior. He’s a great player and we’re in the business of keeping as many great players as we can,” DeCosta continued. It’s a bit of a departure from John Harbaugh saying he “fully expected” Andrews to be here in late March. Reading between the lines, it sounds like Andrews may be available in a trade but that nobody has really given the Ravens an offer they’d consider feasible. We’d bet on Andrews returning still, but it is noteworthy that DeCosta wouldn’t commit to it.
NewOrleans Football’s Mike Triplett’s “best guess” is that Derek Carr is “trying to force a divorce” with the Saints.
“Either a) he legitimately is like my shoulder has reached a point where I think I’d rather take care of it than play this season or ... b) it’s some sort of threat, like we asked for you guys to release us, you didn’t, we were upset when you just restructured the contract instead of trying to work out a release, so now here’s another path for us not showing us, and maybe now we’ll force a release,” Triplett continued. “I don’t know how there’s any resolution from this,” Triplett added. The Athletic’s Diana Russini added that she believes Carr does not want the “Kirk Cousins treatment” where a team is not committed to him long-term. Triplett and Nick Underhill believe that Carr wanted out and was very upset when the Saints restructured his contract and forced him to stay. It sure feels like Carr is intent on not playing for the Saints this season.
Chargers LB Daiyan Henley (shoulder) expects to be ready for training camp.
Henley had surgery to repair a torn labrum that he played through for the final four months of the season. Henley told ESPN’s Kris Rhim that he expects to be “100 percent” before training camp. If for whatever reason Henley is slow coming back it could be an opening for 2024 third-rounder Junior Colson.
Panthers GM Dan Morgan said Georgia LB Jalon Walker would be a 3-4 linebacker in Carolina’s system.
While Morgan also spent the press conference telling interested teams the Panthers would be willing to move down, it was a little more telling that he spoke about the Georgia LB prospect in such finished terms. He didn’t do so at the combine. The Panthers have widely been perceived as interested in drafting a defender at No. 8 overall and Walker would be a logical fit for them.
Giants are hosting a private workout with Louisville QB Tyler Shough.
Shough, a rising name in the process per Dianna Russini, is one of several draft-eligible quarterbacks the Giants are doing late work on including Shedeur Sanders and Jalen Milroe. Shough’s rookie year will also be his age-26 season, so he’d be a bit of a weird developmental pick to hang behind Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston. Perhaps the Giants think he could compete for the job right away, or be ready to play the second half of the season.