Justin Fields Set to Join Kansas City Chiefs as Backup QB to Patrick Mahomes

The Kansas City Chiefs have finalized a trade with the New York Jets to acquire quarterback Justin Fields, who will serve as a backup to the injured superstar Patrick Mahomes. The Jets will receive a sixth-round draft pick in 2027 and will cover $7 million of Fields' guaranteed $10 million salary for the upcoming season, pending a physical. The Chiefs sought an experienced backup due to Mahomes' ACL injury, which may impact his availability for the start of the 2026 season. Mahomes expressed his goal to be ready for Week 1, stating, 'The doctors said I could, but I can't predict what happens throughout the process.' Fields signed a two-year deal with the Jets last March but was benched in favor of Tyrod Taylor after a disappointing 3-14 season. He ended the campaign on injured reserve with a knee injury. With the Jets recently trading for Geno Smith, Fields' departure was anticipated. Fields was initially drafted by the Chicago Bears in 2021 but was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers after three seasons. He started the season as the Steelers' starter due to Russell Wilson's injury but was later benched upon Wilson's return. After joining the Jets, Fields expressed confidence in his ability to be a productive NFL starter, but it did not materialize. The Jets' owner, Woody Johnson, attributed the team's struggles to poor quarterback play by Fields, stating, 'The defense is pretty good. If we can just complete a pass, it would look good.'