Justin Fields’ disappointing debut season with the New York Jets has come to an abrupt end after the team placed him on season-ending injured reserve due to a knee injury, raising significant questions about his future with the franchise.
The Jets announced on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, that quarterback Justin Fields has been moved to injured reserve, effectively ending his 2025 campaign. Fields has been sidelined for the past three games with what the team described as knee “soreness,” and despite returning to practice recently, he was deemed not healthy enough to play. Coach Aaron Glenn confirmed the decision, stating that the injury wasn’t improving as hoped, and the focus is now on getting Fields fully recovered.
Fields’ season was marked by underperformance and uncertainty. Signed to a two-year, $40 million contract in free agency, he was named the starter but struggled significantly, posting a 2-7 record as the starter. His Total QBR of 37.3 ranked 28th among qualified passers, and he was eventually benched on November 17 after passing for only 505 yards in his previous five starts. The benching came amid public criticism from team owner Woody Johnson and growing fan frustration.
The injury issues compounded Fields’ challenges. He missed Week 3 with a concussion but started the next seven games before the knee problem emerged. Glenn considered benching him earlier in the season but kept him in due to backup Tyrod Taylor’s own injury. Fields did have a bright spot with a 244-yard performance in a comeback win over the Cincinnati Bengals, but it was a rare highlight in an otherwise dismal year.
With Fields on IR, the Jets have turned to undrafted rookie Brady Cook, who will make his third start in the final games. Cook’s emergence, along with the injuries to Fields and Taylor, has led to speculation about a complete quarterback reset in the offseason. Fields is due to count $23 million against the 2026 salary cap, with $20 million in salary, $10 million of which is guaranteed. Cutting him would result in $22 million in dead money, manageable if spread over two years.
Coach Glenn has been circumspect about Fields’ future, emphasizing disappointment in the season’s outcome but avoiding direct comments on the quarterback’s status. When asked about potential surgery for Fields, Glenn declined to specify, and he redirected focus to the upcoming game against the New England Patriots. This ambiguity hints at the likelihood that Fields may not return, as the Jets evaluate their options for 2026.
Fields himself has expressed mixed feelings about his role and health. In late November, he acknowledged discussions about using him in a Wildcat package but cited concerns about injury risk from going into games cold. He emphasized that he wasn’t as healthy as desired, underscoring the persistent knee issues that have now ended his season.
The Jets, with a 3-12 record, are headed for a high draft pick and could use it to select a new quarterback or bolster other positions. The uncertainty extends beyond Fields, as the team must decide on its long-term strategy under Glenn’s leadership. Reports from multiple outlets, including ESPN and other sports networks, confirm that Fields’ tenure with the Jets is in serious jeopardy, with his release or trade being probable outcomes.
As the NFL offseason approaches, the Jets’ quarterback situation remains fluid. Fields’ injury and performance have made him a costly misstep, and the franchise must now navigate the financial and roster implications while seeking stability at the sport’s most critical position. The coming months will reveal whether Fields gets another chance in New York or if both parties move on from this failed experiment.
