The New York Jets showed a lot of faith in Justin Fields when they signed him to a lucrative free-agent contract this offseason, and star cornerback Sauce Gardner can understand why.
Gardner had extremely high praise for Fields during a Wednesday appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show.” The All-Pro cornerback said he has already established a close connection with Fields, and Gardner even made one surprising comparison between Fields and Aaron Rodgers.
Gardner said there are certain throws he thought only Rodgers could make, but he has since learned that Fields has the same uncanny ability.
“He made a few throws in OTAs that I’m like, yo, I did not know he was capable of this throw,” Fields told McAfee. “It’s only a certain amount of quarterbacks that can make … I’m talking about throws on like Aaron’s type of level. When it comes to being able to squeeze those throws in there, I always thought Aaron was the best when it came to that. Justin has made a few throws where I’m like, okay he’s really been in the lab. I can just tell.”
"Justin Fields is a DAWG..
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) July 2, 2025
He's been really dialed in and he was making some unbelievable throws at OTAs" @iamSauceGardner #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/1J582IA7xW
Fields is known more for his dual-threat ability than for being able to make Pro Bowl-level throws. He had just five touchdown passes in six starts with the Pittsburgh Steelers last season, but the team went 4-2 in those games.
The talent is obviously there for Fields, even if he has yet to fulfill his potential. There is a reason he was the 11th overall pick in 2021.
Gardner is one of the best defensive backs in the NFL and knows quality quarterback play when he sees it, so it is a good sign for Jets fans that he has been wowed by Fields thus far.
