Six GMs, six assistant GMs, six former GMs, five other execs, eight head coaches and 19 other coaches, including 15 coordinators, comprise @SandoNFL‘s 50-person panel.
The goal was simple: Tier every veteran QB in the NFL.
Did they get it right? pic.twitter.com/4UyajtKvfs
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) August 11, 2025
The New York Jets signed quarterback Justin Fields to a two-year contract this offseason.
The intention is for Fields to be a bridge quarterback for the rebuilding franchise. Offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand has been tailoring the offense around his dual-threat abilities.
The Athletic recently released their annual quarterback tier rankings. Fields was classified as a “tier four” quarterback. Fields clocked in at No. 27 overall. Only seven signal-callers were ranked lower than him.
“A Tier 4 quarterback could be an unproven player (not enough information for voters to classify) or a veteran who ideally would not start all 17 games,” Fields’ tier is described as.
Two of the quarterbacks ranked below Fields are sophomores who either have barely played (Michael Penix), or haven’t played at all (JJ McCarthy). Both Indianapolis Colts quarterbacks (Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones) also placed lower than Fields. The aging Joe Flacco is No. 31.
Fields’ opportunity in East Rutherford is likely his last surefire chance to establish himself as an NFL starter.
The former Ohio State standout previously wasted opportunities in Chicago and Pittsburgh to do the same. Fields is entering a make-or-break year with the Jets as he’ll attempt to oversee an offense built around his strengths.