In a surprising turn of events, New York Jets owner Woody Johnson has stirred controversy with his recent remarks regarding quarterback Justin Fields. As the Jets gear up for the upcoming season, Johnson expressed optimism about Fields after signing him to a one-year deal this offseason. However, his comments during the NFL’s annual league meeting in West Palm Beach, Florida, raised eyebrows and prompted a fierce response from FS1 analyst Craig Carton.

Johnson reflected on the Jets’ decision-making during the 2021 NFL Draft, where the team held the No. 2 overall pick. He noted that Fields was among the candidates they considered selecting, saying, "I think Justin Fields is going to be a total winner for us. He’s going to be the starter, as you found out. I’ve been impressed with him since his college days. It was him or Trevor Lawrence."

The reality of the draft, however, paints a different picture. While the Jacksonville Jaguars selected Trevor Lawrence first overall, the Jets opted for Zach Wilson at No. 2, a decision that has been heavily criticized in hindsight. Fields was ultimately taken by the Chicago Bears with the 11th pick.

On a recent episode of FS1’s "Breakfast Ball," analyst Craig Carton did not hold back his criticism of Johnson’s claims. "Not only did we pick second that year—oh yeah, we won a game in Week 17 to rob us of the No. 1 pick—but what's interesting is that they were in the same draft. I’ll give you that. We drafted a quarterback, you moron," Carton exclaimed. He further emphasized that Fields was never seriously in the conversation for the No. 2 pick, reinforcing his point with the assertion that Johnson either wasn’t paying attention or was misinformed.

Wilson’s tenure with the Jets has been underwhelming, as he struggled through three seasons, starting 33 games while completing just 57% of his passes—resulting in a total of 23 touchdowns and 25 interceptions. After a dismal run, he was traded to the Denver Broncos in 2024. Meanwhile, Fields had a mixed previous season with the Pittsburgh Steelers, completing 65.8% of passes for 1,106 yards, with five touchdowns and only one interception in 10 games.

With the Jets seeking a fresh start, the spotlight now falls on Justin Fields as he looks to finally fulfill the promise that many saw in him during his college career. As the drama unfolds, fans are left wondering whether Johnson's statements will have lasting repercussions or if they are merely a footnote in the saga of a franchise in search of stability.

Stay tuned as we continue to cover the latest developments in the NFL and the ongoing storyline surrounding the Jets and their new quarterback!