You would be hard-pressed to name a more historic battle than the New York Jets and finding a franchise quarterback.
The Jets have taken many swings over the last few years, whether it was drafting Sam Darnold and Zach Wilson, trading for Aaron Rodgers, or signing Justin Fields, but they've yet to find an answer at the most important position in sports.
Unfortunately, their search has cost them in the cap space department.
Given Fields' recent benching and unlikelihood of returning to the Jets in 2026, parting ways with him will leave New York a fairly large dead cap hit.
MORE: What's next for benched Justin Fields?
Jets could eat $57 million in dead cap thanks to Aaron Rodgers and possibly Justin Fields
When the Jets cut ties with Aaron Rodgers, they decided to absorb most of his contract, costing them $21 million in 2025 and $35 million in 2026.
If New York decides to move on from Fields, it will cost $22 million, bringing that total to $57 million on quarterbacks alone in 2026, according to ESPN's Rich Cimini.
"Looking ahead: If the Jets cut Justin Fields before June 1, they will have a $22 million cap charge. Aaron Rodgers will count $35 million in 2026. So potentially $57 million on the cap for former QBs," wrote Cimini in a post on X.
So while the Jets try to rebuild their roster and construct a better team in 2026, they'll be weighed down by the costs of their previous attempts at finding a long-term quarterback for the first time in a long time.
More Jets news:
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- Jets analyst tabs veteran quarterback option that 'makes sense' for 2026
- Alarming Justin Fields stat shows what the Jets are doing right on offense
- Jets rookie continues to shine in an otherwise lackluster season in New York
- Jets CB drops expletive-filled response when asked about his Patriots performance
- Jets have a $31 million Justin Fields decision to make before June 1