The New York Jets have benched quarterback Justin Fields in favor of veteran Tyrod Taylor with seven games remaining in the 2025 season. The 2-8 Jets will turn to Taylor for their Week 12 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens. Fields, a former first-round pick, has struggled with production despite improved ball security.
The New York Jets, sitting at 2-8, made a significant change at quarterback on November 17, 2025, benching Justin Fields for Tyrod Taylor, as reported by multiple sources including Dianna Russini. First-year coach Aaron Glenn opted for the move with the team ranking last in the league in passing yards per game. This marks the second time this season Fields has been benched, following an earlier stint where Taylor started before an injury.
Fields, who signed a two-year, $40 million contract with $30 million guaranteed in March 2025, has completed 128 of 204 passes for 1,259 yards, 11 total touchdowns, one interception, and four fumbles across nine starts, yielding a 2-7 record. His recent performances included just 6 of 11 completions in a Week 10 win over the Browns and under 60% completion in a loss to New England. Despite a career resurgence last season with the Pittsburgh Steelers—where he went 4-2 with 10 total touchdowns and one interception—Fields sought a 'clean runway' for 17 starts but received only nine.
Tyrod Taylor, a 36-year-old 15-year veteran and former Pro Bowler, will make his second start of the season against the Ravens, who are on a four-game winning streak. In his first start, Week 3 against the Buccaneers, Taylor went 26 of 36 for 197 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception in a loss. He has appeared in 97 regular-season games with 59 starts.
With one year left on his deal, Fields could part ways with the Jets before 2026. Potential landing spots include the Minnesota Vikings as a backup to push J.J. McCarthy; the Baltimore Ravens behind Lamar Jackson, leveraging his rushing ability (1,143 yards in 2022, second to Jackson's single-season QB record); the Los Angeles Chargers if Trey Lance departs, given Jim Harbaugh's familiarity from college; the Miami Dolphins as an upgrade over Zach Wilson and Quinn Ewers behind Tua Tagovailoa; and a return to the Pittsburgh Steelers if Aaron Rodgers does not return.
