Why Justin Fields is grateful for Jets' training camp experience after Steelers tenure

At this time last summer, Justin Fields was competing with Russell Wilson to be named the Pittsburgh Steelers' Week 1 starting quarterback. 

To compare, the New York Jets named Fields their QB1 almost immediately after signing him to a two-year, $40M deal with $30M guaranteed in March. On Wednesday, Fields addressed being able to focus on serving as the Jets' undisputed starter. 

"Last year, like I said, it was kind of in a weird position," Fields explained, the New York Daily News' Antwan Staley shared. "But I think, you don’t have to do as much thinking, and you kind of just know where you are and focus on getting better, focus on leading the team each and every day. So, it’s just not as much other stuff going around, so it’s good."

Roughly 12 months ago, reports detailed how Pittsburgh head coach Mike Tomlin had essentially already decided he wanted to start Wilson over Fields. Fields then guided the Steelers to four wins over the season's first six weeks as Wilson recovered from a lingering calf problem. Despite the team's record, Tomlin kept Wilson atop the depth chart from Week 7 through a wild-card playoff loss to the Baltimore Ravens. 

The Chicago Bears made Fields the 11th overall pick of the 2021 NFL Draft, and he went 10-28 as a starter over his first three seasons before the Bears anointed Caleb Williams as their potential new franchise savior. On Wednesday, Fields made it known he's chasing team goals heading into the upcoming campaign. 

"Winning, winning games, winning a lot of games, making the playoffs," Fields said about what he hopes to achieve with the Jets, per Jack Bell of the team's website. "I think that's No. 1 on my list for this team. And winning the division as well. So I think those are the goals that are set forth. But of course, before we do all that stuff, we got to win our division. And go out and really do better each and every day. So all that to say that's of course, down the line, so you kind of got to focus on today and tomorrow."

The fact that the Jets can escape Fields' contract as soon as next offseason means they could turn to backup Tyrod Taylor at any point if Fields leaves much to be desired with his play this fall. As of Thursday morning, DraftKings Sportsbook had the 2025 Jets responsible for the fourth-worst betting odds (+475) to make the playoffs. Only the New York Giants, New Orleans Saints and Cleveland Browns were lower on the list at that time. 

Fields was more concerned about building "team chemistry" than about forecasts for his first season with the Jets when he spoke with reporters on Wednesday. 

"The more that we can hang out, the better," Fields added. "The more you know a person, the more you know their story, I think the harder you play for them and for that person, the more you understand that person."