NFL Analyst Questions Jets’ Decision to Sign Justin Fields as Team’s New QB

The New York Jets’ decision to sign quarterback Justin Fields this offseason has sparked debate across the NFL world. Craig Carton, a well-known sports analyst, has been particularly critical of the move, questioning whether Fields can come close to what Aaron Rodgers accomplished last season.

Craig Carton’s Criticism: Can Fields Measure Up to Rodgers?

On a recent segment, Carton dismissed the hype surrounding Justin Fields, emphasizing that his short career has yet to produce elite passing numbers.

“That is what he did on a bad team. Justin Fields, in a short career obviously, has never thrown for more than 2,600 yards,” Carton said. “But because the Jets’ season collectively was so bad and didn’t come close to living up to expectations, we reinvented what Aaron Rodgers did.”

Carton believes that Rodgers, despite the Jets’ struggles last season, had a statistically solid performance, and he is skeptical that Fields will come anywhere close to replicating Rodgers’ production.

This skepticism isn’t unfounded. Fields’ numbers from last season with the Pittsburgh Steelers were modest at best:

• Completions: 106-for-161
• Passing Yards: 1,106
• Touchdowns: 5
• Interceptions: 1

Although he showed flashes of promise, Fields was eventually replaced by Russell Wilson in Pittsburgh, raising further doubts about whether he can be a long-term answer at quarterback for any franchise.

Jets’ Offseason Strategy: A New Era Under GM Darren Mougey

While analysts like Carton remain skeptical, the Jets’ front office is confident in their offseason approach.

The team recently hired Darren Mougey as their new general manager, and he has expressed excitement about the team’s direction and its plans to revamp the roster.

“It’s a process, and I’m excited about a lot of the guys we have here on this Jets team and the potential free agents,” Mougey said via the team’s website.

Key Offseason Moves for the Jets

So far, the Jets’ offseason has been relatively quiet, but the team has made a few notable acquisitions:

✔ Justin Fields (QB) – Expected to compete for the starting job in 2025.
✔ Brandon Stephens (CB) – A solid defensive addition from the Ravens.
✔ Andre Cisco (S) – A versatile safety to strengthen the secondary.

While Fields’ signing is the biggest move, the Jets have yet to make major splashes in free agency. Many fans and analysts expected a more aggressive offseason, but the Jets seem to be playing it safe for now.

Can Justin Fields Be the Answer for the Jets?

The 2025 season will mark Fields’ fifth year in the NFL, and he will be on his third team.

Originally drafted 11th overall by the Chicago Bears in 2021, Fields was seen as a potential franchise quarterback, but his time in Chicago was marked by inconsistency, injuries, and struggles in the passing game.

After being traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers, he briefly held the starting job before being replaced by Russell Wilson. Now, he arrives in New York looking for a fresh start and a chance to prove himself as a true starting quarterback.

However, the biggest question remains:

👉 Is Fields an upgrade over Zach Wilson?

Many Jets fans wanted a more proven quarterback rather than taking a chance on a player who has yet to prove he can consistently win in the NFL.

Final Thoughts: A Make-or-Break Year for Fields and the Jets

The New York Jets are taking a calculated risk by signing Justin Fields. While his athletic ability and playmaking skills are undeniable, his passing efficiency and decision-making remain concerns.

If Fields fails to take a major step forward, the Jets’ quarterback struggles will continue, leaving them searching for another answer in 2026.

For now, Fields has a golden opportunity to prove his critics wrong. Whether or not he can live up to the expectations remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—this will be the most crucial season of his career.