The New York Jets‘ season continues to spiral downward with a 27-14 loss to the New England Patriots, dropping them to 2-8. Amid the chaos, head coach Aaron Glenn receives a financial update that could impact the team’s future plans.

”Looking ahead: If the Jets cut Justin Fields before June 1, they will have a $22 million cap charge, ” as reported by ESPN’s Rich Cimini. He continued, ”Aaron Rodgers will count $35 million in 2026. So potentially $57 million on the cap for former QBs.”

This certainly shifts the focus from the defeat to the deeper challenges. If the Jets release Justin Fields, they’ll incur a $22 million cap hit. On top of that, they still owe $35 million to Aaron Rodgers, even though he’s no longer with the team.

The decision to acquire Rodgers remains the primary source of their financial strain. As a result, a team looking to rebuild at quarterback now finds itself burdened by the cost of two failed investments under center.

The Jets are firmly in rebuild mode, armed with multiple first-round picks acquired from trading Sauce Gardner to the Colts and Quinnen Williams to the Cowboys. However, their quarterback hunt remains challenging.

According to ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr., leading prospects like Dante Moore, Fernando Mendoza, Ty Simpson, and LaNorris Sellers are still raw and not yet NFL-ready.

The Jets face a tough rebuild not just financially but structurally. The free-agent quarterback market offers little relief. Daniel Jones is the only viable starter, and all signs point to him staying in Indianapolis. Beyond that, the options are limited to backups, leaving the Jets with few paths forward at quarterback.

This discussion came to the forefront after the benching of the Jets quarterback, Justin Fields.

Justin Fields benched as Jets confront costly QB dilemma

The front office and head coach Aaron Glenn reached a decision following a team meeting. Justin Fields’ latest performance against the Patriots, just 116 passing yards, fell short of expectations. This didn’t come as a shock within the building, as Glenn had previously stated he was “evaluating everything.”

Fields currently ranks near the bottom in total QBR at 37.7 and has only seven touchdowns to his name. In response, the Jets have decided to start Tyrod Taylor, who ranks 32nd in passing. ”Obviously, we have to do a better job in the passing game, and that has a lot to do with Justin getting the ball to the right guys,” Glenn said.

Despite the demotion, Fields continues to receive support from teammates. “It stinks to be a part of the [demotion],” said tight end Jeremy Ruckert, who played with Fields at Ohio State.

“I take it personal, all the hate, all the talking that goes towards him. I take it personal. I’m one of the guys that takes the field with him, and I wish we could’ve done a better job to help him out, but he’s just a true professional.”

With the roster in flux, a coaching staff in transition, and $57 million in quarterback debt on the books, Glenn and GM Darren Mougey now face a pivotal decision, one that must avoid repeating the costly mistakes of the past.