Due to Patrick Mahomes’ injury and uncertainty about his return to the practice field, the Kansas City Chiefs have acquired former New York Jets starting quarterback Justin Fields in a move that addresses another roster need.
When backup quarterback Gardner Minshew signed a one-year deal with the Arizona Cardinals, the Kansas City Chiefs found themselves without a backup quarterback. Patrick Mahomes was recovering from knee surgery, and with free agency starting last week, Head Coach Andy Reid had not yet filled this important position on his roster.
On Monday, the New York Jets made a significant change by trading former starter Justin Fields to the Kansas City Chiefs. In exchange, the Jets will receive a sixth-round pick in the 2027 NFL Draft. As part of the trade, the Jets will cover $7 million of the $10 million owed to Fields for the 2026 season.
Fields broke into the NFL in 2021 as the Chicago Bears’ first-round pick (#11) and had instant success. However, with coaching changes, roster subtractions, and a new team president, he played one season with the Pittsburgh Steelers and one with the New York Jets.
In Kansas City, the former Ohio State Quarterback will get a chance to learn a very complex system and perhaps resurrect his NFL Career. It’s possible that if he has success, especially if he opens the season as the starter, Kansas City would have leverage to sign him long-term or trade him at the NFL deadline this season.
Both teams are making bold moves to address their quarterback issues. Last week, New York reacquired quarterback Geno Smith from the Las Vegas Raiders, which led them to take action regarding quarterback Justin Fields. Although Fields had opportunities with other teams, he ultimately decided to join Kansas City.
With this trade, the Chiefs now have approximately $11 million in cap space after finalizing the contract for Tight End Travis Kelce. However, Kansas City still needs to account for some of its recent free agent signings. At some point, General Manager Brett Veach will need to create additional cap space to accommodate the 2026 draft class.
Either way, the move to add a young quarterback with NFL experience is something new for Reid and Veach. In the past, they have preferred to go the veteran route, and by acquiring Fields, the Chiefs could use him in a variety of roles – especially in short-yardage situations.
Still, this was a big get for the Chiefs and Fields, who finally get a coaching structure that preaches discipline and accountability within the offense that could use his talents on the field, even as a backup to Mahomes.
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