Justin Fields

Reich was Stanford's interim head coach last year in what felt almost like a favor to former quarterback Andrew Luck. Now he finds himself in a different unenviable position with the Jets. Breece Hall is a free agent. There is no real hope of grabbing a franchise quarterback in the draft or finding one in free agency, and the only quarterbacks the team have under contract for 2026 that started games are Justin Fields and Brady Cook. Reich will have to rise well above his station to get this offense to any semblance of "average" in 2026.

Fields cited offseason training as the reason he would not be participating

Fields reportedly declined the invitation to focus on his offseason training as he continues his bid to return as a franchise quarterback after a tumultuous beginning to his career. Fields enters 2026 in the final year of a two-year deal signed with the Jets prior to the 2025 regular season but appears to be on the outs with the franchise, potentially auditioning for a backup gig somewhere else. The dual threat quarterback has started 53 games during a five-year NFL career while playing for three different franchises in the three previous seasons.

Both Stroud and Jets quarterback Justin Fields reportedly turned down invitations to the Pro Bowl Games, both citing their offseason preparations as the reason for the decision. It makes sense considering the crossroads of their respective careers, with Stroud set to play the 2026 regular season on the final year of his rookie contract prior to a team option in 2027. The fact that the Pro Bowl has become a glorified dog and pony show also likely influenced their decisions. Either way, there isn't much to read into this non-news.

If it wasn't already clear before this year, the Pro Bowl Games needs to disappear.