One of the biggest moves the New York Jets made this offseason was signing free-agent quarterback Justin Fields to a two-year, $40 million contract to replace Aaron Rodgers. His addition has brought some hope.
Last year, he was solid for the Pittsburgh Steelers in limited playing time, making six starts and 10 appearances, completing 106-of-161 passes for 1,106 yards, five touchdowns and one interception, as well as 289 rushing yards and five touchdowns.
However, there's a chance this Fields experiment doesn't pan out, which is why Brad Gagnon predicts in an article for Bleacher Report that the Jets will trade for Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins.
"Any contender that loses its QB to an injury could be in on the 37-year-old, despite the high price tag," Gagnon wrote. "Since it's impossible to speculate on injuries, though, let's instead throw out a Jets team that has a considerable amount of salary-cap space and could well give up on Justin Fields by November. If the increasingly desperate Jets are competitive in spite of Fields at that stage, dealing for an established veteran from the NFC could make some sense."
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins
© Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Cousins is in an interesting position, as he was benched during the first season of his four-year, $180 million contract with Atlanta to sit behind then-rookie Michael Penix Jr.
It wasn't a surprising decision, though, as he struggled heavily, starting 14 games, completing 303-of-453 passes for 3,508 yards, 18 touchdowns, 16 interceptions (tied for most in the NFL) and an 88.6 passer rating.
However, if Fields does truly disappoint, then Cousins would at least become an extremely experienced option. Cousins has seen a solid amount of success in his 13-year career, making four Pro Bowl appearances.
One of the biggest question marks surrounding a potential deal is whether he would waive his no-trade clause. He could do that to become a starter once again if his situation with the Falcons doesn't change.
