Jets Insider: Shedeur Sanders Still a Draft Option at 7 Despite Justin Fields Contract

The signing of Justin Fields doesn't close the door on a rookie quarterback for the New York Jets.

Rich Cimini of ESPN reported that the Fields signing does not eliminate the chance of the Jets drafting a quarterback and that they could take one "at any point in the draft."

"The addition of Fields does not preclude them from drafting a quarterback," Cimini wrote. "If their conviction is strong enough, they could take one at any point in the draft, even in the first round if Shedeur Sanders (Colorado) slips to them at No. 7. But chances are they wouldn't take the QB plunge until Day 2 or even Day 3. The beauty of Fields' contract (two years, $40 million) is that it's essentially a one-year commitment for $30 million. The Jets can reevaluate next offseason."

The Jets signed Fields at the start of free agency and will hope he can gel alongside former Ohio State teammate Garrett Wilson in the New York offense. Fields made six starts in 2024, going 4-2 before Russell Wilson reclaimed starting duties for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The Jets went 5-12 in 2024 and missed the postseason for the 14th consecutive season. The team moved on from quarterback Aaron Rodgers after the season. The contract to Fields shows that the team feels confident about the 26-year-old's upside, but hedging their bet with a rookie could be a strong option.

Shedeur Sanders could be available when the team is on the clock with the seventh pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. He is rated as the No. 18 overall prospect and the No. 2 quarterback by Bleacher Report's NFL Scouting Department.

While he could easily could be off the board by the seventh pick, selecting him could be a wise move considering Fields' lack of proven success. If Fields works out and the team wants to extend him, Sanders could be dealt to a needy team in the future. If Fields struggles, a strong option would still exist behind him.

Several other quarterbacks, including Jaxson Dart, Quinn Ewers and Will Howard, could be solid options for this as well and may fit into a later round.

The 2025 NFL Draft is set for April 24-26 in Green Bay, Wisconsin.