Jets Rumors: Marcus Mariota, Wentz Could Interest NY if Fields Signs Steelers Contract

The New York Jets have been believed to be targeting quarterback Justin Fields in free agency, but they reportedly have other options in mind if he returns to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

SNY's Connor Hughes reported on Sunday that he believes the Jets would "turn their attention to" veteran quarterbacks Marcus Mariota and Carson Wentz if Fields signs a new contract with the Steelers, who are interested in retaining him following his promising first year with the team.

Fields appeared in 10 games and made six starts for Pittsburgh while Russell Wilson was sidelined with a calf injury. The Steelers went 4-2 with Fields under center, and he finished the year with 1,106 passing yards, five touchdowns and an interception plus 289 rushing yards and five more scores. His completion percentage of 65.8 percent was by far the best mark of his career.

Hughes noted that the Jets' interest in Fields "is well known." However, a return to the Steelers became more attractive after the team completed a trade with the Seattle Seahawks to acquire star receiver DK Metcalf. Pairing Metcalf with George Pickens would give Pittsburgh's starting quarterback a talented receiver duo, so Fields could opt to stay put and continue his development under head coach Mike Tomlin.

Both Mariota and Wentz saw limited action during the 2024 season. Mariota spent the year as the backup to Washington Commanders star rookie Jayden Daniels, who went on to be named NFL Offensive Rookie of the year. Wentz was with the Kansas City Chiefs as Patrick Mahomes' backup as the team made a run to Super Bowl LIX but fell to the Philadelphia Eagles.

The Jets are ushering in a new era under first-year head coach Aaron Glenn and general manager Darren Mougey, so the team will need to make the right moves this offseason to convince a downtrodden fan base that things are moving in the right direction.