The New York Jets are turning the page at quarterback, benching Justin Fields and elevating veteran Tyrod Taylor to the starting lineup. Dianna Russini of The Athletic was the first to report the move, which marks a dramatic shift for a franchise still searching for stability under center.

Fields, acquired in the offseason and handed a two-year, $40 million deal, was expected to revive a stagnant offense and usher in a new era. Instead, his nine-game stretch has been defined by inconsistency, mounting criticism and offensive regression. The Jets enter week 11 ranked last in passing offense and among the league’s lowest-scoring teams.

Head Coach Aaron Glenn said “I’m trying to make the best decision to give our guys a chance to win.”

Fields' uneven performances placed him under intense scrutiny in recent weeks. He struggled to move the ball downfield, averaging fewer than 200 passing yards in five straight games. His outing Thursday against the New England Patriots sparked internal discussions that led to Monday’s decision.

Taylor has long been regarded as one of the league’s most respected backups, a steady quarterback capable of protecting the ball and managing games efficiently. His lone start this year included two touchdown passes and showcased a controlled, balanced approach the Jets have sorely lacked.

The change also raises questions about Fields’ long-term future in New York. With extra draft picks in 2026 and 2027 acquired through recent trades, the Jets are positioned to target a quarterback in upcoming drafts or pursue a veteran replacement. Fields’ guaranteed salary for 2026 further complicates his status moving forward. 

For Taylor, the opportunity represents another chance to lead despite years of being overlooked. 

The Jets hope Taylor can bring calm to a turbulent season. Whether he can ignite a late-season turnaround remains unknown, but the franchise is clearly signaling that patience with rebuilding experiments is running thin.