The New York Jets made their long-awaited quarterback change, pivoting from Justin Fields to Tyrod Taylor ahead of their Week 12 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens.
With Fields' recent struggles, it was a no-brainer to make the switch to the veteran quarterback.
But Aaron Glenn didn't just change his starting quarterback to try and pick up a meaningless win in an otherwise already lost season.
Zack Rosenblatt says Jets made QB change with 2026 in mind
According to The Athletic's Zack Rosenblatt, Glenn had to make the change for evaluation purposes of the Jets' other young players.
"The rest of this season is about 2026. They need to spend it evaluating who can or should be a piece for this team next year, especially on offense. They need a QB capable of at least delivering these young WRs the ball. Justin Fields was working counter to that," wrote Rosenblatt in a post on X.
"Tyrod Taylor is obviously a flawed QB and the Jets aren't going to win a lot of games with him either but this had to happen for the sake of evaluation."
New York acquired two young receivers thanks to deadline trades in John Metchie and Adonai Mitchell. Both are likely to get significant reps and playing time with star wideout Garrett Wilson on injured reserve at minimum, for the next three games.
Fields struggles as a passer, and Taylor is much better at getting the ball out accurately and on time, giving the Jets' receivers a better chance at making a play.
More Jets news:
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- 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
- Aaron Glenn declines to give injury updates, tells beat to ask Jets insider Rich Cimini