Jets Cut Candidate Justin Fields Could Land with Vikings, 49ers or Dolphins

The former first-round pick struggled in New York and is likely to be released this offseason.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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The New York Jets are expected to cut or trade quarterback Justin Fields this offseason after his two-year, $40 million experiment in New York failed. Fields, a former first-round pick, could draw interest from the Minnesota Vikings, San Francisco 49ers and Miami Dolphins as a potential low-cost veteran option to provide competition or depth at the quarterback position.

Why it matters

Fields was once considered a promising young quarterback, but his struggles in New York have damaged his stock. Several QB-needy teams could take a chance on him as a reclamation project, hoping to revive his career similar to how the 49ers did with Sam Darnold.

The details

The Jets are expected to either outright release Fields, incurring a $22 million dead cap hit, or designate him as a post-June 1 cut to spread the dead money over two years and save $10 million. The Vikings, 49ers and Dolphins all have quarterback needs and could be potential landing spots for Fields if he hits the open market.

  • The Jets are expected to make a decision on Fields' future this offseason.

The players

Justin Fields

A former first-round pick who struggled as the Jets' starting quarterback over the past two seasons.

Minnesota Vikings

A team that needs a veteran quarterback to back up young starter J.J. McCarthy.

San Francisco 49ers

A team that may need to replace backup quarterback Mac Jones if he is traded away.

Miami Dolphins

A team that is expected to move on from starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and needs to add competition at the position.

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What they’re saying

“Unless someone wants to trade for him (unlikely), the Jets will have one of two options for cutting him: do it outright, incur a $22 million dead cap hit and only $1 million in savings, or designate him a post-June 1 cut, spread that dead cap hit out over two years and save $10 million — savings which wouldn't come onto the books until after June 1.”

— Zach Rosenblatt, Reporter (The Athletic)

What’s next

The Jets will need to decide on Fields' future in the coming months, either trading, releasing or designating him as a post-June 1 cut.

The takeaway

Justin Fields' fall from grace in New York could open up a new opportunity for the former first-round pick, as several QB-needy teams may be willing to take a chance on him as a low-cost reclamation project this offseason.