The New York Jets are navigating one of the most unstable QB situations in the NFL as they gear up for their Week 4 clash against the Miami Dolphins. Sitting at 0-3, the team has struggled to establish consistency under center. Matters only grew more complicated after starting quarterback Justin Fields missed the Jets’ most recent game due to a concussion.

Fields is heading toward a return, having participated fully in practice this week, but his absence was felt against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Analysts have described the quarterback picture in New York as “nutty,” noting the challenges of inconsistent play and growing pressure. Fields showed flashes of promise early in the season, but now the spotlight is shifting, with the Jets reportedly eyeing Penn State star Drew Allar.

A recent tweet on X revealed that “The #Jets are very intrigued on Drew Allar.” The quarterback helped head coach James Franklin’s Nittany Lions achieve a school-record 13 wins. And make the program’s first-ever College Football Playoff appearance last season. The team came within a single win of a national championship before falling 3-0 to Notre Dame in the semifinals. Standing 6-foot-5 and weighing 235 pounds, Allar finished third in the Big Ten in passing last season with 3,327 yards, 24 touchdowns, and eight interceptions.

One of college football’s top prospects, the Medina, Ohio, native opted to return to Penn State for his senior season. Rather than enter the NFL Draft early? According to On3’s Pete Nakos, Allar will reportedly earn at least $3 million this year through NIL and other agreements. In fact, Allar ranks ninth among college athletes with an NIL valuation of $3.1 million. Having inked deals with brands including Frosted Flakes, Bose, Urban Outfitters, and EA Sports.

The quarterback generated significant buzz regarding his draft intentions late in the 2024 season. Initially, he informed his coaches in December 2024 that he planned to return for his senior year. Even before Penn State’s playoff run. Allar’s performances in the College Football Playoff only amplified speculation. In three CFP games—including wins over SMU and Boise State and the narrow loss to Notre Dame. He threw for a combined 433 yards and three touchdowns against the Broncos.

His lone interception against the Irish helped set up the game-winning field goal. But it did little to overshadow his strong play overall. For the season, he finished with 3,327 passing yards, 24 touchdowns, and eight interceptions and added six rushing scores. Despite the attention on Allar, the Jets’ starting quarterback, Justin Fields, has been cleared by doctors and is expected to return to the lineup late Friday.

Justin Fields cleared to play as Jets eye QB stability

“Justin is playing,” Jets coach Aaron Glenn confirmed Saturday, putting an end to uncertainty surrounding the quarterback’s status. Fields, who spent more than a week in the NFL’s concussion protocol following a hit in Week 2, practiced fully for three consecutive days. And was officially cleared by an independent neurologist.

Glenn praised his star signal-caller’s versatility and intelligence. “He’s a dynamic runner. He’s a smart player,” he said. “I think in the passing game he showed exactly what he can do in that first game, and we want to continue to expand on that and continue to get better.”

The injury occurred during New York’s loss to the Buffalo Bills when defensive end Joey Bosa slammed Fields’ head to the turf in the fourth quarter. Backup Tyrod Taylor stepped in last week, keeping the Jets competitive with two fourth-quarter touchdown passes. Though the team ultimately fell 29-27 to the Buccaneers.

As Jeremy Fowler and Dan Graziano of ESPN detail, the Jets’ quarterback situation remains far from settled. Fields’ return could ignite a much-needed offensive spark, but any struggles may intensify calls for a change at the position. The evolving dynamic between Fields and Taylor will be closely watched as the team seeks to find stability at quarterback. And maybe Drew Allar could be that answer.