Who Should I Start? Justin Fields or Desmond Ridder

Monday, March 10, 3:04 PM

The New York Jets have signed quarterback Justin Fields to a two-year contract worth $40 million. This deal includes $30 million guaranteed. The 26-year-old opened the 2024 campaign as Pittsburgh's No. 1 quarterback before being replaced by Russell Wilson. During his time as the starter, Fields averaged 183.4 passing yards and 38.5 rushing yards per game. He found the back of the end zone 10 times (five passing, five rushing) and threw just one interception. During the 2022 season, Fields enjoyed a career-season as he tallied 2,242 passing yards and added an impressive 1,143 yards on the ground. During this season, he threw 17 scores and tallied eight rushing touchdowns. However, he threw 11 interceptions. Fantasy managers should expect Fields to likely operate as their starting quarterback as the Jets are parting ways with Aaron Rodgers. Veteran Tyrod Taylor is also on the roster and could compete for starting opportunities during training camp if Fields were to struggle. Fields carries solid upside as a high-end QB2 in all formats given his elite rushing ability.

Friday, February 28, 5:22 PM

The Las Vegas Raiders informed quarterback Desmond Ridder that they will not tender him an offer as a restricted free agent this offseason, a source tells NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. Ridder will now hit the open market next month after playing in six games (one start) in his lone season for the Raiders in 2024. He went 52-for-85 for 458 passing yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions as a backup in Vegas. The 25-year-old former third-round selection (74th overall) by the Atlanta Falcons in 2022 out of the University of Cincinnati appeared in 19 games (17 starts) in his first two years in the NFL in Atlanta before the Falcons moved on. Ridder briefly latched on as a backup option with the Arizona Cardinals before joining the Raiders this past season. He has plenty of starting experience since entering the league, but Ridder will just be hoping for a chance to earn a backup gig somewhere else in 2025.