Will Jets Cut Justin Fields in 2026? NFL Insider Explains Scenarios, Salary Cap Impact

The New York Jets will surely look to establish some type of long-term plan for quarterback consistency this offseason, which could mean the end of Justin Fields' tenure with the team ahead of the 2026 campaign.

ESPN's Rich Cimini reported on the situation Sunday in light of Fields being benched for Tyrod Taylor ahead of New York's game against the Baltimore Ravens.

Cimini noted "it seems clear" there will be a new starter for the AFC East team in 2026, which means either keeping Fields as a backup or releasing him. Releasing him, which Cimini called "the likely scenario," would mean a $22 million cap charge and $10 million cash payout with the ability to absorb the cap hit in 2026 or spread it out over the course of two years.

If the Jets keep Fields, Cimini noted "his contract will have to be renegotiated" since he is set to make $20 million in 2026 with half of it fully guaranteed.

New York brought Fields in this offseason after he went 4-2 as a starter for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2024 before he was eventually replaced by Russell Wilson.

Running ability has never been an issue for the Ohio State product, who remains one of the league's most electrifying playmakers in the open field. However, passing consistency and the ability to progress through his options have largely prevented him from fulfilling his potential.

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The Chicago Bears selected him with a first-round pick in 2021 with the hope he could be the franchise quarterback they had long searched for, but he was just 10-28 as a starter. There were some high points, such as when he finished ninth in MVP voting in 2022, but the consistency was never there for the NFC North team.

It has largely been more of the same for the Jets.

Fields is 2-7 as a starter and has completed 62.7 percent of his passes for 1,259 yards, seven touchdowns and one interception. The low turnover number is ideal, but the offense has struggled to gain much footing during what has turned into a lost season.

Now New York is facing a situation where it likely needs to draft or sign a quarterback this offseason.