The Justin Fields Conundrum for the Jets

The New York Jets decision on Justin Fields will come down to money, and it’s simple math: $10 million.

The Jets have three options for their starting quarterback. Go with Justin Fields as their bridge. Sign or trade for another bridge, or hope their draft pick and start him Week 1 with a backup in tow.

The question that remains is this. Which is the most financially appropriate?

Let’s examine the Fields or other bridge dilemma, and save the backup option for another time.

If the Jets keep Fields in 2026, he will cost the Jets $32 million in cap space in 2026-27: $23 million for 2026, and $9 million dead in 2027. If they release him, he will cost them $22 million in 2026-27.

If the Jets use Fields as the bridge quarterback and they land the No. 1 pick, the total cap charges will be $55,805,779 in 2026-27 (excluding any backup they sign in 2027). If they release Fields, sign someone else, and end up with the No. 1 pick, it will be $45,805,779, plus the cap charge for whomever they sign.

This means that if they decide to go the bridge route, the bridge will have to cost the Jets under $10 million over 2026 and 2027 to make moving on from Justin Fields worthwhile. If they can’t find a quarterback whose cap charge will be worth it, they stick with Fields.