Why passing on Shedeur Sanders could be New York Jets' biggest quarterback draft regret of 2025 NFL season

The New York Jets are banking big on Justin Fields in 2025, but they missed a golden opportunity in the NFL Draft. With former Colorado star Shedeur Sanders on the board multiple times, the Jets opted out. That decision may haunt them all season, especially if Fields falters and New York finds itself without a viable long-term quarterback plan.The Jets will open the 2025 NFL season with Justin Fields as their unquestioned QB1, backed by a two-year, $40 million deal. Tyrod Taylor is the only backup, making it clear that the team is placing all bets on Fields succeeding in his second act as a starting quarterback.General manager Darren Mougey had the chance to draft Shedeur Sanders—arguably one of the most composed and media-ready quarterbacks available in 2025. Sanders eventually landed with the Cleveland Browns in Round 5, but the Jets passed on him twice in the fourth round. Instead, they chose to address other positions, ignoring a high-upside quarterback who could have served as a valuable insurance policy.Sanders’ fit in New York was tailor-made. Not only does he offer a drastically different playing style—thriving as a pocket passer versus Fields’ dual-threat skillset—but he’s also proven capable of handling intense media attention. His experience at Colorado under the national spotlight prepared him well for a high-pressure market like New York.From a pure football perspective, the Jets could’ve diversified their quarterback room and applied healthy internal pressure on Fields. If Fields couldn’t handle competition from a rookie, then he likely wouldn't thrive in the scrutiny-heavy environment of New York anyway.Instead, the Jets now walk into a pivotal season with a fragile quarterback setup and no true developmental plan behind Fields. If he struggles or gets injured, the franchise could be back to square one—again.Also Read: Jared Goff stars in Netflix’s ‘Quarterback’ Season 2 alongside Joe Burrow and Kirk Cousins — Premieres July 8Passing on Shedeur Sanders wasn’t just a missed pick. It was a missed opportunity to secure quarterback stability in a league where it matters most.