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Justin Fields Declines 2026 Pro Bowl Invite, Fueling Questions About Event’s Value

A run of quarterback withdrawals has produced late replacements that many fans say undercut the Pro Bowl’s credibility.

Overview

  • NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports the Jets quarterback turned down a Pro Bowl Games invitation to focus on offseason training.
  • Fields played nine games in 2025 before being benched, posting 1,259 passing yards with seven touchdowns and one interception, plus 383 rushing yards and four scores.
  • ESPN’s Rich Cimini has reported the Jets could cut Fields this offseason, noting a 2026 cap charge near $23 million and about $22 million in dead money if released.
  • With Fields declining, Browns rookie Shedeur Sanders is slated to participate as an AFC replacement, joining Joe Burrow and Joe Flacco after multiple opt-outs.
  • Fans and analysts criticized the quarterback selections following withdrawals by stars including Justin Herbert and Josh Allen, arguing the Pro Bowl label carries less weight.