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Justin Fields and the Jets: Why the search for long-term quarterback isn’t over

Justin Fields and the Jets: Why the search for long-term quarterback isn’t over

TOI Sports Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Apr 12, 2025, 20:33 IST

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The Jets signed Justin Fields to address their quarterback void, but his inconsistency leaves the long-term picture unclear. With Fields far from a guaranteed solution, Louisville’s Tyler Shough emerges as a potential mid-round draft steal. His experience, poise, and untapped upside make him a strong candidate to develop behind Fields and possibly become the Jets�?future franchise quarterback.

Justin Fields and the Jets: Why the search for long-term quarterback isn’t over

Justin Fields (Via: Getty Images)

The New York Jets are at a crossroads once again in their search for a franchise quarterback. After the dramatic departure of Aaron Rodgers, the team moved quickly to sign Justin Fields, a quarterback with undeniable talent but a resume full of questions. While Fields�?potential has intrigued many, the reality is that his future with the Jets isn’t guaranteed. Could the Jets still be in the market for a quarterback in the 2025 NFL Draft, despite Fields�?arrival?

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Fields�?journey through the NFL has been nothing short of turbulent. After a rocky tenure with the Chicago Bears, Fields was given a chance to start with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Although his 4-2 record seemed promising, his performance ultimately didn’t inspire confidence. Upon returning from injury, Russell Wilson took over the starting job and never let go. Fields' inconsistency raises serious concerns: Can he be the quarterback the Jets need to lead them into the future?

The Jets clearly hope Fields will unlock the potential that many saw in him when he first entered the league. But the truth remains, he’s not a surefire answer to their long-term quarterback dilemma. With the Jets�?playoff hopes on the line, they need more than just potential; they need stability and consistency at the most crucial position in football. That's where the 2025 NFL Draft comes into play.

Enter Tyler Shough: A hidden gem for Jets to consider

While Fields is an intriguing option, there’s another quarterback who could offer the Jets an even brighter future: Louisville's Tyler Shough. The 26-year-old has been flying under the radar, but his performance in 2024 could change that. With a 62.7% completion rate, 3,195 passing yards, and 23 touchdowns to just six interceptions, Shough showcased a combination of accuracy and arm strength that could translate well to the NFL.
What makes Shough stand out, however, is his experience. Having played for multiple teams—Oregon, Texas Tech, and finally Louisville, he's seen different offensive systems, and that experience has shaped him into a poised pocket passer with impressive mobility. While he might be a bit older than the typical draft prospect, his maturity could actually be an asset as he enters the NFL ready to compete.
Also Read: Steelers�?stability vs. Saints�?urgency: Where will Aaron Rodgers take his final shot at glory?
NFL scouts are starting to take notice. Some even predict that Shough could end up being the best quarterback in the 2025 class, no matter where he’s drafted. For the Jets, taking a chance on Shough in the middle rounds of the draft could be a smart move, especially if they miss out on the top-tier quarterbacks early on.
While Fields brings intrigue to New York, he’s far from a sure bet. His flashes of talent are overshadowed by inconsistency, making it risky for the Jets to bank on him long-term. Tyler Shough, with his experience and upside, could be the ideal prospect to develop behind Fields and eventually take the reins. Keeping options open isn't just smart, it's essential for securing stability at the quarterback position.

About the Author

TOI Sports Desk

The TOI Sports Desk excels in a myriad of roles that capture the essence of live sporting events and deliver compelling content to readers worldwide. From running live blogs for India and non-India cricket matches to global spectacles featuring Indian talents, like the Chess World Cup final featuring Praggnanandhaa and the Badminton World Championships semifinal featuring HS Prannoy, our live coverage extends to all mega sporting events. We extensively cover events like the Olympics, Asian Games, Cricket World Cups, FIFA World Cups, and more. The desk is also adept at writing comprehensive match reports and insightful post-match commentary, complemented by stats-based articles that provide an in-depth analysis of player performances and team dynamics. We track news wires for key stories, conduct exclusive player interviews in both text and video formats, and file content from print editions and reporters. We keep track of all viral stories, trending topics and produce our own copies on the subjects. We deliver accurate, engaging, and up-to-the-minute sports content, round the clock.

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