The Jets’ quarterback job isn’t just another gig—it’s become its own legend of bad luck and bizarre twists. Justin Fields is the latest guy to take the plunge, signing a two-year, $40 million deal (with $30 million guaranteed) and reuniting with his old Ohio State buddy Garrett Wilson. This isn’t just a new beginning—it’s another shot at rewriting a story that’s seen way too many great QBs go down in flames. And now a Patriots legend has shared his POV on the issue.

Rob Gronkowski didn’t hold back on the issue. “It just seems like it’s just cursed. It really does, man,” he said, pointing out that quarterbacks like Geno Smith and Sam Darnold only really found success after leaving New York. Even Aaron Rodgers, one of the NFL’s all-time greats, saw his Jets stint go off the rails when a season-ending Achilles injury hit him hard in his very first game. That comment isn’t just a gripe—it’s a nod to a pattern that’s hard to ignore.

Julian Edelman, however, has a slightly different take. He calls Fields “a bridge quarterback,” suggesting that while Fields has shown some solid growth—especially in cutting down on turnovers with the Steelers—the Jets see him more as a temporary fix rather than the long-term savior. The team is clearly looking for someone who’s not only talented but also mobile enough to move the pocket, even if that means Fields might just keep them in the game for now.

The idea of a “curse” on the Jets’ QB position isn’t new. It’s a notion that’s been floating around ever since their lone Super Bowl win in 1969. From Mark Sanchez’s infamous “Butt Fumble” to Chad Pennington’s career constantly derailed by injuries, the list of QB misadventures is long. Even that legendary 1983 draft decision—passing on Dan Marino—adds to the mystique and the frustration.

Aaron Rodgers even chimed in on the weird vibe, once remarking, “It might be some sort of curse we’ve got to snap.” That line really sums up the sentiment among Jets fans and former players alike. With a history of questionable roster moves, coaching changes, and draft decisions, it’s hard not to see the pattern. Every time the Jets think they’ve got a winner, fate seems to have other plans. So, will Fields get over this ‘Curse’? Or will he be one of the Cursed? But being hated by your former team is definitely a curse.

Julian Edelman spills the Jets’ real QB game plan

The Jets’ QB situation is finally coming into focus, and it’s not the fairy-tale long-term solution some might hope for. Julian Edelman laid it out: Justin Fields isn’t the permanent answer but more of a “bridge” quarterback—a stopgap move to keep the team competitive while they build something more stable around a strong defense. The plan is all about staying in the game without making a long-term commitment to a guy who still has some work to do.

Edelman explained that Fields is a smart, athletic guy who “didn’t turn the ball over last year” with the Steelers and showed a lot of growth. That ball security is exactly what the Jets need right now. Fields’ numbers back this up—he went 4-2 in six starts with a 65.8% completion rate, tossing five touchdowns against just one interception. But despite these solid stats, his overall career—61.1% completion for 7,780 yards, 45 touchdowns, 31 interceptions, along with 2,509 rushing yards and 19 touchdowns—shows he’s a dual-threat who still struggles with consistency as a passer. This is why Fields fits the “bridge” QB mold: he can manage the game without making big mistakes, but he isn’t necessarily the franchise guy yet.

Gronkowski wasn’t exactly impressed either, tossing out, “Sounds like the Jets will be the Jets once again.” That comment underscores a familiar pattern in New York—they keep cycling through quarterbacks, hoping each new guy is the one to break the curse. While Fields has talent, his known issues with accuracy and decision-making mean he might just be another short-term fix, keeping the team afloat until a real long-term solution is found.

Edelman hinted that the Jets might be leaning towards a “Steelers ball” style of play—a system built on a rock-solid defense, explosive plays, and a quarterback who avoids costly mistakes. He asked if the Jets were planning to adopt that formula, a strategy that has worked for Pittsburgh ever since they moved on from Ben Roethlisberger. The idea is to build the team around defense and let a steady, if not spectacular, quarterback manage the offense. That formula has kept the Steelers competitive, and it seems the Jets are hoping to do something similar.

In the end, if the Jets are really following this plan, Fields is just a temporary fix—a bridge until they can find that franchise quarterback. He’s expected to keep things stable while the defense does most of the heavy lifting. But unless New York figures out how to get past its history of short-term fixes, they might just find themselves stuck in the same cycle over and over again.