ESPN joins chorus of Justin Fields haters with Jets roster assessment
The NY Jets’ decision to move on from Aaron Rodgers and kick-start the Justin Fields era might be the decision that gets the Jets back on the winning track. However, not everyone is sold on the former top recruit and first-round pick turning it around under Aaron Glenn.
Fields is still very much a work in progress at the quarterback spot, which means that a good chunk of his appeal is based on the potential of what he could be instead of the here-and-now of what he is. This has led to some very pessimistic outlooks regarding Fields’ overall status as a player.
ESPN’s analysis of the Jets’ roster led them to believe that quarterback is still the biggest hole on this roster, even when one considers the poor defensive tackle depth and lack of another solid wide receiver. Writer Aaron Schatz’s analysis paints a very uninspiring picture of what Fields has done in his career to this point.
Fields’ 50.8 QBR metric last season put him at 23rd in the NFL, and that was the best mark of his career. It also came in a six-game span. Schatz is one of many who think that the Jets will be trying to replace Fields sooner rather than later.
ESPN believes Justin Fields gives Jets huge hole at quarterback
Fields is going to go to a Jets team that is creating a run-heavy offense based around both his talents and the strength of their Armand Membou-enhanced offensive line, but there are serious questions about his overall accuracy from the pocket that make this quite a risky proposition.
If the Jets end up deciding that Fields is not going to take this team forward in any meaningful direction, they will likely have the ability to pick from a very deep 2026 NFL Draft pool that can set them up quite nicely at the quarterback position.
Fields has yet another doubter to add to the list. Time will tell if the Jets will turn this investment into something worthwhile or if this will be yet another tombstone New York will add to their concerningly large quarterback graveyard.
Jets Roster Shakeup Begins: The first wave of cuts hits ahead of camp
Friday marked the beginning of that transition as the Jets made three early roster cuts, trimming the edges before the real battles begin.
Jets release three as offseason competition heats up
The Jets officially released Easop Winston, Marcus Riley, and Jimmy Ciarlo—three players who were long shots to make the 53-man roster.
Winston, now 28, came into the league as an undrafted free agent out of Washington State following the 2020 NFL Draft.
He was originally picked up by the Los Angeles Rams and has since bounced between multiple practice squads, including the Saints and Browns.
Despite some flashes during preseason stints, Winston has yet to play a single snap in a regular season NFL game.
The Jets didn’t see him factoring into their wide receiver competition, especially with a crowded room featuring names like Garrett Wilson, Allen Lazard, and rookie Arian Smith.
Marcus Riley hits the free agent market after short stint
Marcus Riley, another undrafted free agent receiver out of Florida A&M, also didn’t make it past the first round of cuts.
At just 22 years old, Riley had hopes of sneaking into the conversation this summer, but the Jets clearly have other priorities.
They’re focused on grooming their 2025 draft class and pushing internal battles that have more upside and investment behind them.
