The Kansas City Chiefs have secured a new backup quarterback for star signal-caller Patrick Mahomes, agreeing to acquire Justin Fields from the New York Jets in exchange for a 2027 sixth-round draft pick, according to reports Monday.
The deal gives Kansas City an experienced option behind Mahomes as the former MVP continues his recovery from major knee surgery. Mahomes, now a nine-year veteran, underwent surgery in December to repair a torn ACL and LCL in his left knee—his most significant injury since joining the Chiefs in 2017. While the team hopes he will be ready for the 2026 season opener, Fields is expected to play a key role throughout the offseason program and potentially much of training camp.
Fields, 27, reportedly preferred a move to Kansas City despite drawing interest from other teams around the league. The dual-threat quarterback will operate the offense under head coach Andy Reid and offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy while Mahomes continues his rehabilitation.
To facilitate the trade, the Jets agreed to absorb $7 million of Fields’ $10 million guaranteed salary for the 2026 season. Kansas City will be responsible for the remaining $3 million.
The move comes shortly after the Jets reshaped their quarterback room by acquiring Geno Smith in a trade with the Las Vegas Raiders last week. Smith is expected to serve as New York’s starting quarterback in 2026. In that deal, the Jets agreed to pay $3.3 million of Smith’s salary, while the Raiders remain responsible for $16.2 million.
Fields originally signed a two-year, $40 million contract with New York last offseason, including $30 million guaranteed. The signing was a centerpiece move during the first year of head coach Aaron Glenn and general manager Darren Mougey who hoped the former first-round pick could finally unlock his potential after an inconsistent start to his career.
Instead, both Fields and the Jets struggled mightily during the 2025 campaign. New York finished with a 3–14 record, and Fields was unable to deliver the turnaround the franchise had envisioned.
Before restructuring his contract prior to the trade, the Jets were still responsible for the remaining $10 million of Fields’ guaranteed salary. Moving him to Kansas City allows New York to reset its quarterback depth chart behind Smith.
The Jets now carry Smith atop the depth chart, with young quarterbacks Brady Cook and Bailey Zappe also on the roster.
For Kansas City, the acquisition offers valuable insurance as Mahomes works his way back from injury. Fields’ mobility and athleticism provide a different dimension at quarterback, and the Chiefs will lean on him heavily during offseason workouts while their franchise star continues his recovery.
