According to a former New York Jets first-round pick, Gang Green may have finally found its much-awaited long-term solution at quarterback this offseason.
Speaking with Roundtable Sports’ Richie Mollura, 1992 first-round pick Johnny Mitchell praised the Jets’ decision to sign quarterback Justin Fields this offseason, suggesting he could be the team’s long-term answer under center.
Mitchell cited the Jets’ strong coaching staff as the reason he believes in Fields, stating that Fields “has never had an OC” in the NFL.
“That [Fields] is my favorite player, and he has never had an OC,” said Mitchell. “Listen, Jet fans, I am a coach: The Bears never had a good offensive coordinator, and the offensive coordinator last year for Pittsburgh [Arthur Smith], I am not a big fan.
“With the Jets and the opportunity he’s getting, he’s going to make the most out of it, and what AG saw in Justin Fields, I have been seeing his whole career, he should have been the second quarterback picked in 2021, he should have gone to the Jets, but now he is in his proper place. I see big things from Justin Fields and the New York Jets,” the former tight end continued.
To Mitchell’s point, Fields has dealt with a revolving door of play-callers. Fields had three offensive coordinators over his first four NFL seasons: Bill Lazor (2021), Luke Getsy (2022-23), and Arthur Smith (2024).
In New York, Fields will be coached by first-year offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand, who was the Detroit Lions’ passing game coordinator from 2022-24.
Selected 11th overall in the 2021 NFL draft, Fields was passed over by the Jets at No. 2 in favor of Zach Wilson, which led him to Chicago. Now, the former Ohio State standout finds himself in New York, joining the Jets as the third stop of his NFL journey.
In 2024, after being traded from the Bears, Fields started six games for the Pittsburgh Steelers. He led the team to a 4-2 record while completing 65.8% of his passes for 1,106 yards, five touchdowns, and one interception before being benched in favor of veteran Russell Wilson.
Jets head coach Aaron Glenn and general manager Darren Mougey are betting on the 26-year-old’s upside and potential. If Fields can take a step forward as a passer this summer, he may finally get the chance to prove he can be a franchise quarterback in New York.
