Justin Fields Reveals Why He Signed with Jets over Steelers
Former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields signed a two-year, $40 million contract with the New York Jets last week in free agency, spurning an opportunity to return to Pittsburgh.
In a recent interview with the Jets’ official team website, Fields revealed why he signed with Gang Green.
“I think, No. 1, coach (Aaron) Glenn,” Fields told newyorkjets.com reporter Ethan Greenberg. “I’ve played against him early in my career. I know how passionate he is about the game, the way he coaches, the way his players play. So I think that was the biggest thing for me. And just the opportunity, the fans, of course, the city. When you win here, there’s no better place to win. Those reasons are ultimately why I ended up here.”
Fields, who played in Chicago for three years before spending last season with the Steelers, used to play Aaron Glenn’s Detroit Lions’ defensive unit twice a year in the NFC North. Glenn was the Lions defensive coordinator before being named the Jets head coach earlier this offseason.
“Our relationship playing against each other means a lot because Detroit, of course, they’ve had a lot of success the past couple of years,” Fields said. “So for him to want me here is definitely an honor, and I’m going to put it all on the line for him and do all I can to help this team be successful.”
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported that the Steelers offered Fields a contract similar to the Jets’ offer, but he chose the Jets over the Steelers.
“Look, last week or a week and a half ago, they put together an offer for Justin Fields that I was told was very competitive with what the Jets offered him, which was two years 40 million with 30 million guaranteed,” Fowler said on the Dan Patrick Show. “Something went off where he chose the Jets and he must have felt the love more from the Jets than he did the Steelers who essentially benched him last year for Russell Wilson. So he gets a fresh start. I do believe they were all in on Fields. I don’t know if they had Fields ahead of (Aaron) Rodgers, but they were willing to do Fields. Like both sides at one point were open to it. It didn’t work.”
While Fields landed in North Jersey, the Steelers still don’t have an answer at quarterback. They’re hell-bent on waiting for four-time league MVP Aaron Rodgers to make a decision on his football future. Rodgers holds all the cards, and he reportedly is in no rush to make a decision.