FILE - Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields (2) in action during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Derik Hamilton, File)

The Associated Press

Justin Fields was passed over by the New York Jets four years ago in the NFL draft. Now he’s expected to be their No. 1 quarterback.

Fields and the Jets agreed Monday to a two-year contract worth $40 million, a person with knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press.

Fields likely steps in ahead of veteran backup Tyrod Taylor as New York’s starter in place of Aaron Rodgers after the Jets announced last month they are moving forward without the four-time NFL MVP following two seasons. Rodgers, who hasn’t announced whether he’ll play a 21st NFL season, is expected to be released.

The deal for Fields includes $30 million guaranteed, according to the person who spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the agreement wasn’t announced by the team. NFL Network first reported the deal between Fields and the Jets.

The 26-year-old Fields spent last season with Pittsburgh after playing his first three NFL seasons with the Chicago Bears, who drafted him in the first round — the 11th overall pick — in 2021 out of Ohio State.

The Jets had the No. 2 overall pick that year and selected quarterback Zach Wilson, who failed to live up to expectations and was traded to Denver last year.

New York now will hope that Fields can revive his career with the Jets, who have a new regime in head coach Aaron Glenn and general manager Darren Mougey. Fields will be reunited with wide receiver Garrett Wilson, his former college teammate, in an offense that also includes running backs Breece Hall and Braelon Allen.

Fields has passed for 7,780 yards and 45 touchdowns with 31 interceptions in 50 games, including 44 starts in four seasons. He has rushed for 2,509 yards and 19 scores.

The agreement with Fields came a day after the Jets reached terms with linebacker Jamien Sherwood on a three-year deal worth $45 million that includes $30 million guaranteed, keeping one of their defensive leaders on the roster.

Fields had an inconsistent start to his NFL career with the Bears, throwing 40 TD passes along with 30 interceptions in 38 starts over three seasons. Chicago had the No. 1 overall pick in last year’s draft, and rather than stick with Fields they focused on replacing him under center.

Fields was traded to Pittsburgh for a sixth-round pick in this year’s draft and the Bears selected Caleb Williams to be their new franchise quarterback. Fields helped Pittsburgh to a 4-2 start with five TD passes and five TD runs and just one pick.