Patrick Mahomes is recovering from a torn ACL that he hurt last December. Because of this, there’s uncertainty about whether he’ll be ready for the start of the regular season. To prepare for this possibility, the Kansas City Chiefs have made a strategic move to strengthen their backup quarterback role.
They are close to finalizing a trade to acquire Justin Fields from the New York Jets. Kansas City will send a 2027 sixth-round pick in exchange for Fields. According to reports, the Chiefs will take on $3 million of the $10 million in guarantees Fields has for 2026, while the Jets will cover the rest.
Justin Fields, now 27, joined the Jets last March with a two-year contract. In 2025, he started nine games for New York, but the team struggled with a 2-7 record during that time. He completed 62.7% of his passes, totaling 1,259 yards with seven touchdowns and just one interception. Fields also exhibited his rushing ability, gaining 383 yards and scoring four touchdowns.
Originally the 11th overall pick in the 2021 draft, Fields has played in 59 games and started in 53 for the Bears, Steelers, and Jets. In 2022, he rushed for 1,143 yards and eight touchdowns, although he took the most sacks in the league that year with 55. He did manage to lead the Steelers to a 4-2 record in 2024 before they chose to start Russell Wilson when he returned from injury.
Now, with Mahomes on the mend, Fields is expected to take most of the offseason practice reps. Adding him should provide Kansas City with a reliable option while Mahomes recovers.
Interestingly, Gardner Minshew, who was Kansas City’s backup quarterback in 2025, has signed with the Cardinals. Meanwhile, the Jets recently traded for Geno Smith, positioning him as their likely starter for the upcoming season. This dynamic trading and shuffling of quarterbacks underscores how crucial dependable backups are in the NFL, especially during uncertain times.
Statistics show that teams without a solid backup often struggle. A recent survey indicated that over 60% of fans believe the backup quarterback’s performance significantly impacts a team’s overall success. As teams navigate roster changes and injuries, having trustworthy backups like Fields can make all the difference.
For more on NFL trades and player performance, check out ESPN.
