Justin Fields Down, Now What? Jets Must Trade for One of These QBs

Justin Fields Down, Now What? Jets Must Trade for One of These QBs originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

Panic hasn’t set in at Florham Park just yet, but after Justin Fields was carted off with a right toe injury during Thursday’s practice, the New York Jets face a potential quarterback crisis.

While coach Aaron Glenn said post-practice that the severity is still unknown, Fields’ injury could force the Jets to pivot quickly if their newly signed starter misses significant time.

It's possible the team believes in and sticks with Tyrod Taylor, a veteran backup who came into the league in 2011 and has 58 career starts. However, a trade for a new starter should be on the table.

If the Jets want to keep their burgeoning 2025 playoff hopes alive, here are three veteran quarterbacks they must consider, and one stands out above the rest.

Kirk Cousins: The Most Reliable Option

Cousins' career is in flux with Michael Penix Jr. overtaking the veteran to become the Atlanta Falcons' starter. Battling compounding injuries, he threw 18 touchdowns and 16 interceptions, a career-high.

With three big years left on his four-year, $180 million contract, the trade cost should come with a discount. Cousins still offers immediate experience in commanding an offense, elite processing and leadership. The Jets have a win-now defense and offense led by Breece Hall and Garrett Wilson that can't be left to waste. All that in mind, Cousins fits that timeline best.

Sam Darnold: The Redemption Arc

Darnold is younger, cheaper and already familiar with the New York media market as a former member of the Jets. Seeking another fresh start with the Seattle Seahawks, he could be available for mid-round draft capital. His play last season with the Minnesota Vikings put his star back on the map (66.2% completion rate, 4,319 passing yards, 35 TDs, 12 INTs), showing that he has matured as a passer. This would be a low-risk, high-upside move, but it comes with a steeper trade cost, given Darnold's recent success.

Russell Wilson: The Wild Card

Wilson might not end up as the starter for the New York Giants but he appears to have the early lead. N.Y. could opt to give the reins to rookie Jaxson Dart, or fellow vet Jameis Winston could earn the nod.

While Wilson’s 2023 bounceback for the Denver Broncos included 26 TDs and a 66.4% completion rate, it all fell apart rather quickly once he led the Pittsburgh Steelers to the postseason.

His fit in the Jets’ system is questionable, given the inconsistencies in his career since departing the Seattle Seahawks after the 2021 season. Still, his playoff experience and Super Bowl pedigree can’t be ignored for a team like the Jets that hasn't won consistently in years.

Verdict: Cousins is the guy. He’s the most dependable and playoff-ready. If Fields’ injury lingers, the Jets need to make that call. Taylor is a great backup, but the Jets can't afford to suffer yet another doomed season without a proper starting quarterback, as they endured in 2023 when Aaron Rodgers tore his Achilles.

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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 24, 2025, where it first appeared.