Who Should I Start? Marcus Mariota or Justin Fields

Tuesday, February 17, 11:13 AM

The Athletic's Zack Rosenblatt believes that the New York Jets could release quarterback Justin Fields this offseason. The Jets are going to land in the range of $70 million to $80 million in salary cap space in 2026 without cutting anyone, and they don't have a ton of options for cap savings. Fields signed a two-year, $40 million deal in free agency ($30 million guaranteed) last year, but he was a disaster in 2025 and was eventually benched in favor of veteran Tyrod Taylor. It's unlikely that a team will want to trade for the 26-year-old. If they outright cut him, they'll incur a $22 million dead-cap hit and only $1 million in savings. If they designate him as a post-June 1, they can spread the cap hit out over two years and save $10 million. Rosenblatt believes the Jets will outright cut Fields since they aren't lacking in cap space. The former 11th overall pick has elite rushing upside, but he just has not improved as a passer. Fields could compete for a starting gig elsewhere, but nothing will be guaranteed going into 2026.