Justin Fields Placed on IR, What's Jets QB's Contract Status for 2026 Amid Injury?

The New York Jets placed quarterback Justin Fields on injured reserve, head coach Aaron Glenn announced Tuesday.

With just two games remaining in the regular season, Fields' 2025 campaign has officially come to a close. He hasn't played since Nov. 13 while dealing with a knee injury.

Fields is still under contract for the Jets during the 2026 season after signing a two-year deal worth $40 million to join the team in March.

$10 million of Fields' $20 million salary for 2026 is guaranteed, with ESPN's Rich Cimini reporting that the Jets releasing the fifth-year passer during the upcoming offseason is "the likely scenario."

If New York chooses to cut ties with Fields, it would have the option to absorb his $22 million cap charge next season or stretch it over two years.

With the Jets sitting at just 3-12, they should be in position to select a quarterback near the top of the 2026 NFL draft.

Fields didn't meet expectations during his inaugural year in New York, owning a record of 2-7 as a starter. He completed 62.7 percent of his throws for 1,259 yards and seven touchdowns compared to one interception, averaging a career-low 6.2 yards per attempt.

The former first-round pick also rushed for 383 yards and four scores.

Fields was benched in favor of veteran Tyrod Taylor on Nov. 19. He operated as Taylor's backup for one contest before he was forced to miss time due to the knee injury.

Fields was inactive as the Jets' emergency third quarterback behind Brady Cook and Taylor in Week 16.

Cook, who has started in New York's past two games, will remain atop the team's depth chart to close out the season.