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There may be no team in football quite as adept at placing their foot in their mouth as the New York Jets. It has spanned coaches, general managers, and generations. As a new administration takes power, headlined by head coach Aaron Glenn and general manager Darren Mougey, they’ll hope to avoid verbal disaster and back it up with on-field results.
Owner Woody Johnson may have put a dent in those plans.
The biggest move of New York’s offseason was releasing quarterback Aaron Rodgers, putting an official end to the last era of East Rutherford football. His replacement, quarterback Justin Fields, signed a two-year, $40 million deal that was met with measured optimism.
However, the Jets lost when Johnson called Fields a “winner” at the annual league meetings; not because of Fields’ talent but because of an oversight the internet was happy to run with.
"I think Justin Fields is going to be a total winner for us," Johnson said as transcribed by Antwan Staley. "I've been impressed with him since his college days. It was he or Trevor Lawrence, and I think he is going to be really good."
Fields was among the five quarterbacks drafted in the 2021 NFL Draft. First was Lawrence to the Jacksonville Jaguars. New York had the second pick and it was … decidedly not between Lawrence and Fields.
The Jets, of course, picked Zach Wilson, who endured three turbulent seasons before his departure.
In that span, Fields was similarly inconsistent, proving to be a bit more viable than Wilson because of his mobility. He, too, found a new team after 2023, traded from the Chicago Bears to the Pittsburgh Steelers for a conditional Day 3 pick.
Johnson’s optimism isn’t unfounded. Fields is certainly toolsy, and he showed in 2024 that he could play winning football – at least in spurts. He went 4-2 in six starts with the Steelers before being benched for Russell Wilson, who has since signed with the New York Giants.
Fields didn’t encroach on the sky-high potential he flashed at Ohio State during his time with Pittsburgh, but he limited turnovers and played fringe-average football. If he can do that for the Jets, it would help establish a brand of competency that the regime is looking for.
He’ll have two years to prove himself, signing a deal that grants New York flexibility if he falls short and surplus value if he hits. If nothing else, Fields will almost certainly fare better than the quarterback Johnson forgot about.
More must-reads:
- Pro Bowl DT thinks NFL should ban tush push play
- Shedeur Sanders has bold message for teams that pass on him in NFL Draft
- The 'Single-season touchdown catch leaders by NFL franchise since 1970' quiz
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Steelers 'open for business' as George Pickens may suddenly get traded
The Pittsburgh Steelers have a lot of questions throughout the organization's current roster. The obvious one is the quarterback position as the franchise still does not have a reliable starting-caliber player at the position. Another concern is the future of star wide receiver, George Pickens. The receiver is entering his fourth season and it will be the last year of his rookie contract. It does not seem like an extension is coming any time soon for Pickens, and many believe there is a chance he will get dealt elsewhere before the 2025 season begins. Pickens is a controversial player in the league as he has been fairly productive over the course of his career on a mediocre offense. He has had below-average quarterback play, yet has still been able to produce. However, the poor offensive performances have forced him to have some explosions on the sideline. These antics and other issues are what have put his future in jeopardy, and some believe he has played his last game with Pittsburgh. One former NFL GM has confirmed that the Steelers are likely shopping Pickens, which was reported during a post on social media by Andrew Fillipponi. "The Steelers are open for business on George Pickens," the former GM said. "That's why they brought in [Matthew Golden] for a visit." Pittsburgh hosted former Texas wide receiver Matthew Golden for a pre-draft visit, which shows the interest the organization has in a wide receiver in the first-round. It is a slim chance that Golden will be available when Pittsburgh picks at 21, but hosting him shows the organization could be selecting a receiver of some kind with its first pick. Golden has the potential to be off of the board within the first 12 picks of the event, but there is a slim chance that he may fall to where Pittsburgh is picking. He had a decent year in 2024 as he hauled in nine touchdowns and recorded nearly 1,000 yards. If Pittsburgh selects Golden or another receiver, it doesn't confirm that Pickens will be traded, but it should make some teams pick up the phone and call about his availability. Another offseason move that jeopardizes Pickens' future with the Steelers is the franchise trading for star wide receiver DK Metcalf. Pittsburgh acquired him from the Seattle Seahawks ahead of free agency, and he is expected to be a key focus of the Pittsburgh offense. Both Pickens and Metcalf have had their fair share of fits when they are not getting targeted, so it will be interesting to see the dynamic if they do end up playing together. Steelers could deal George Pickens on draft night There are a lot of starting-caliber players available in the 2025 NFL Draft, and Pittsburgh is going to want as many picks as possible. The organization had to give up its second-round pick in exchange for Metcalf, so there is a chance Pittsburgh will be looking to acquire an extra Day 2 pick. This is where trading a player like Pickens could come into play. Pickens' value is hard to determine due to the poor offensive performances in Pittsburgh, paired with the inability to control his emotions. However, it should be fair to assume he would be able to fetch a third-round selection. The Steelers could certainly make this move in order to draft another receiver they have been interested in, or draft one of the running backs or defensive linemen from the deep class. The possibilities are endless, and there is a very real chance that Pickens plays for Pittsburgh in 2025. However, it will be the last year of his deal. The franchise would likely allow him to walk in free agency, which might make trading him now seem like the better option. What do you want Pittsburgh to do with Pickens?
Steelers Fall To 4th On Aaron Rodgers’ Wish List In Bold Kyle Brandt Revelation
The Pittsburgh Steelers have found themselves consistently at the center of discussion, all revolving around the team's critical need to fill their open starting quarterback position. Veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers has emerged as the clear frontrunner; his name is persistently linked to the Steelers in numerous reports and discussions. It has been widely reported that the Steelers' front office has extended a formal contract offer to Rodgers, and the team is currently in a state of patient anticipation, awaiting his response. However, this prolonged period of uncertainty has begun to wear on the Steelers' fan base, who perceive the waiting game as an endless struggle. It appears that the Steelers have prioritized Rodgers as their top choice for the quarterback position for a little while now. However, a crucial question remains: has the Steelers' organization held a similar position of importance in Rodgers' own mind? The extended delay in his decision-making process has fueled speculation and raised concerns about Pittsburgh's standing in Rodgers' hierarchy of preferred destinations. The prolonged silence has left many to wonder if the team is truly a top choice for Rodgers. On a recent episode of Good Morning Football, Kyle Brandt addressed the ongoing Rodgers situation and the absence of a signed contract. He expressed his belief that the Steelers weren't Rodgers' first or second choice, and shared his perceived ranking of teams in Rodgers' mind. "I believe the Steelers were Rodgers' fourth choice. First choice being the Jets. They said we're moving on. Second choice being the [Los Angeles] Rams, saying we're going to keep Matthew [Stafford]. Third choice being the [Minnesota] Vikings and I think they're rallying around JJ [McCarthy], and fourth choice being pretty much the only chair left," Brandt shared. Nobody aims to be fourth choice. While it's known the Steelers aren't Rodgers' sole option, learning they're fourth raises serious concerns. The fact other teams swiftly secured their quarterbacks leaves the Steelers seemingly as a last resort. Despite a recent surge of reports suggesting positive developments in the ongoing negotiations with the Steelers, the lack of an official contract continues to fuel speculation and raise questions. Because these talks have gone on so long without a deal, people are wondering why it's taking so long. Even though things are uncertain, the Steelers are acting calm, or at least pretending to be. The team's apparent lack of urgency in securing Rodgers' official signature suggests a degree of confidence within the front office regarding the eventual outcome. This perceived calmness, however, stands in contrast to the prevailing sense of anxiety among fans, who are eager for an answer to the quarterback situation. Steelers' Draft Strategy Easily Affected By Rodgers' Decision With the 2025 NFL Draft looming on the horizon, the pressure on the veteran quarterback Rodgers to make a decisive answer about his commitment to the Steelers is escalating rapidly. The Steelers, as widely reported, have publicly declared their intention to utilize the upcoming drafts, either this year or the next, as a place to secure their long-term franchise quarterback. However, with the draft happening this month, and Rodgers' continued silence, speculation continues as to when the Steelers will pull the trigger on a new signal-caller. The football community is now wondering when, or if, a firm deadline will be imposed upon Rodgers to resolve the uncertainty. The Steelers' draft strategy is further complicated by having other positional needs that demand attention during the NFL Draft. The quarterback position, undeniably a cornerstone of any NFL team, holds significant weight over the Steelers' overall draft approach. Knowing who will be the starting quarterback will allow them to prioritize other positions of need. The Steelers need to know what they are dealing with. The absence of a clear answer from Rodgers casts a shadow of ambiguity over the Steelers' draft preparations, potentially hindering their ability to make informed and strategic decisions in the upcoming draft.
Brad Marchand Speaks Out on Role With Panthers After 3 Games
It's not often a captain is traded at the deadline in the NHL. It's not often that captain is a Hall of Fame talent that spent his whole career on one team. Now three games into his Florida Panthers tenure, Brad Marchand, 36, hasn't had much of a learning curve as he adapts to a new system after having played 1,200 regular-season and playoff games for the Boston Bruins. With a strong forecheck that forces a high turnover rate and dominates offensive zone time at 5-on-5 play, the Panthers are well equipped to seamlessly welcome Marchand's pesky style into their fold. “We added a real good player, for sure,” head coach Paul Maurice said to Sportsnet about Marchand. “But the biggest benefit is you add an excited veteran guy (who) knows he’s not playing 10 more years. He’s on the back nine now, and those guys cherish every day at the rink.” The Panthers are 1-1-1 with Marchand in the lineup and two points out of first place of the Atlantic Division. Boston has sunk to last place of the Atlantic while in the midst of a nine-game losing streak. It marks the first time they have held last place in a division since 1997. “It’s not often that you get to be part of a group like this,” Marchand told reporters. “I’ve been on a lot of teams throughout the years, and you know when you have something special. You know when you walk into a special room. That’s what they have here, and it’s what you want to be part of.” Marchand returned to the ice last Friday to make his Panthers debut. He was out to an upper-body injury that he sustained in early March on the Bruins. He registered a point with an assist on Sam Bennett's score — a player who he once called a "scumbag." The Panthers ended Marchand's season both the last two seasons. Now, Bennett and Marchand can do nothing but appreciate each other's competitive nature for the common goal. “He’ll do anything to win,” Bennett told reporters. “(He’s) definitely a guy (who) we’re really excited to have on our team and not have to play against (anymore). … Adding a guy like that with that much experience and that much talent, it’s incredible. We were a pretty confident team before we made that acquisition. Having him on our team now, it just gives us (even more) confidence in this group.”
Warriors Make Unfortunate Steph Curry Announcement After Lakers Game
Golden State Warriors star Steph Curry had to miss a week of action after suffering a pelvic contusion on March 20 against the Toronto Raptors. Since Curry's return on March 28, the Warriors have gotten back to their winning ways. And, on Thursday, they extended their winning streak to four after defeating LeBron James, Luka Doncic and the Los Angeles Lakers 123-116. Curry, coming off a 52-point outing against the Grizzlies, had another solid night against the Lakers, tallying 37 points and six assists. Doncic, on the other hand, did not make a 3-point shot for the first time in 144 games. The Warriors, eying a fifth consecutive win, have another challenge on Friday night, facing Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets. But Golden State's injury report is a bit concerning. According to The Athletic's Anthony Slater, along with the official NBA injury report, the Warriors have listed Curry as questionable for Friday night's game, still working through his left pelvic contusion. Along with Curry, Jimmy Butler (left forearm strain) and Gary Payton II (left thumb ligament partial tear) have also been ruled as questionable against the Nuggets. "Jimmy Butler, Steph Curry and Gary Payton II will be listed as questionable for the Warriors tonight vs Nuggets," Slater wrote on X. "Butler has a forearm strain, but it’s minor. Curry still has that bruised tailbone. Payton could make his return from absence from thumb injury." Following the second night of their back-to-back against the Nuggets, Curry and the Warriors will have Saturday night off before hosting Dillon Brooks and the Houston Rockets on Sunday. Golden State (45-31) owns the No. 5 seed in the West at the time of this article, looking to move past the No. 4 seed Lakers (46-30) and the No. 3 seed Nuggets (47-30).
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