Sauce Speaks Out On Jets QB Justin Fields as Matchup Nightmare
The New York Jets this offseason gave Justin Fields a two-year, $40 million contract ... and they have given him the starting job.
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There is no doubt about all of that.
The real question surrounding New York's new signal-caller is whether he can prove himself able to develop into a quality "franchise quarterback'' - regardless of the price tag.
Through the first four seasons, Fields was unable to establish that he was "that guy.'' Amid a number of athleticism-based highlights, struggled mightily for both the Chicago Bears and Pittsburgh Steelers in terms of being a consistent performer, especially as a passer.
His time in Pittsburgh - ah, those highlights! - stood out to the Jets, though.
While he sat on the bench for most of the team's 2024 Week 7 win over New York, Fields was still someone the Jets had to key on whenever he went on the field.
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"We didn't know if Justin was going to play or not and who was going to be the starter," Jets' All-Pro cornerback Sauce Gardner recalled Wednesday on "The Pat McAfee Show regarding his new quarterback.
"We had to change the whole game plan for Justin, just for him to not even play that game, just for Russ (Russell Wilson) to be the starter. So then we went back to the other game plan like the night before or something like that."
Gardner's comments show the kind of matchup nightmare Fields can be when he plays at a high level. ... but as a true dual threat.
That's why the Jets wanted to bring Fields in the first place. They wanted a quarterback who could win from the pocket and make plays with his legs. Those kinds of signal-callers are very difficult to stop.
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That is what New York is banking on.
So long as Fields improves as a passer, the Jets are thrilled with what they have gotten from their new starting quarterback. ... and Gardner's speak-out endorsement is just the latest example of that.
Related: Jets Urged To Trade for 15-TD Receiver from NFC Contender
Related: Jets' Garrett Wilson-Led Receiver Room Keys Training Camp Watch List
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 4, 2025, where it first appeared.
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