Inside the NFL’s New York Jets’ 2025 season: Can quarterback Justin Fields end the 14-year playoff drought? | NFL News
The New York Jets are staring down what might be their most make-or-break season in recent memory. It’s been 14 years since the team last made the playoffs and that losing streak is now the longest in the NFL. Owner Woody Johnson has clearly had enough. Over the past year, he has pushed hard to rebuild the team from the inside out — new faces, bold moves and a serious effort to leave the losing in the rearview mirror. But according to ESPN’s 2025 NFL roster rankings by analysts Aaron Schatz, Mike Clay and Seth Walder, the rest of the league still isn’t buying in. The Jets come in at a disappointing No. 29 out of 32 teams, with only the Carolina Panthers, Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints ranked lower.
ESPN’s 2025 rankings show the Jets are near the bottom of the NFL
To be fair, this roster isn’t a complete mess. There are a few spots where the Jets are actually in pretty solid shape. ESPN analyst Mike Clay pointed to the secondary as a legit strength. He gave the Jets some credit by picking their cornerback room as their biggest strength.The offensive line could end up being a quiet strength for the New York Jets in 2025. Analyst Seth Walder identified the team’s young starting tackles as potential game-changers, especially if they can stay healthy and develop as expected. Aaron Schatz also pointed to the overall depth on the line, suggesting the unit has enough reliable players to handle the physical demands and inevitable injuries that come with a full NFL season. Together, these factors give the Jets a solid foundation up front. But even with those positives, one thing is dragging this roster’s grade way down.
If Justin Fields has a great season, the Jets could make the playoffs
The quarterback position remains the biggest concern for the New York Jets heading into the 2025 season — and unfortunately, it’s also the most important one. ESPN’s analysts are in agreement: Justin Fields is the team’s biggest question mark right now. His presence under center is a major reason the Jets landed near the bottom of ESPN’s roster rankings.It’s a tough situation for Fields, especially before training camp has even begun. But after bouncing between teams in recent years, he hasn’t done much to silence the doubts. There’s no denying his raw talent, but he’s struggled to deliver consistent performances. Now on his third team in three seasons, Justin Fields has reached a critical point in his career. He needs to prove that he can be more than a promising athlete with mixed results. The Jets are putting a lot on his shoulders — and whether or not he can handle it will likely define their season.
If Justin Fields struggles, the Jets’ long playoff drought is likely to continue into the 15th year
Here’s the good news, though — Justin Fields can still turn things around. Players have done it before. For example: Sam Darnold in 2024 or Baker Mayfield in 2023. Both had tough times and were doubted, but they still managed to have strong seasons that helped their teams stay competitive. If Fields can have a career-best year like Darnold or Mayfield did, the Jets could make the playoffs. If he can’t, the team’s long streak without a playoff win will reach 15 years and probably get even longer.
FAQs
Q: Why is Justin Fields considered a risky pick for the Jets?A: Justin Fields is talented but inconsistent and now on his third team in three years, which raises questions about whether he can be a reliable starter.Q: What are the Jets’ strengths going into 2025?A: Their cornerback group is strong and their offensive line has solid depth with two promising young tackles.Q: How long has it been since the New York Jets made the playoffs?A: The Jets haven’t made the playoffs in 14 seasons the longest active drought in the NFL.Also read: “Desperate cash grab”: Fans roast Darren Waller comeback after he put on PUP list days after NFL return
