Kansas City Chiefs Acquire Quarterback Justin Fields in Trade with Jets
The Kansas City Chiefs have finalized a trade to acquire quarterback Justin Fields from the New York Jets. The Chiefs will send a 2027 sixth-round draft pick to the Jets as part of the agreement. As part of the deal, the Chiefs will pay $3 million of the $10 million guaranteed to Fields for the 2026 season, with the Jets covering the remaining amount to facilitate the trade.
This acquisition comes as Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is recovering from a torn ACL sustained in December, potentially affecting his availability for the start of the regular season. Fields is expected to take the majority of offseason repetitions while Mahomes recuperates.
Fields' Recent Performance and Career History
Fields, 27, previously signed a two-year contract with the Jets in March. During the 2025 season, he started nine games for New York, resulting in a 2-7 record. He completed 62.7 percent of his passes for 1,259 yards, throwing seven touchdowns and one interception. He also rushed for 383 yards with four touchdowns.
Drafted 11th overall in 2021, Fields has played in 59 games, making 53 starts, across stints with the Bears, Steelers, and Jets. His career highlights include rushing for 1,143 yards and eight touchdowns in 2022. He guided the Steelers to a 4-2 record in his starts in 2024 before Russell Wilson assumed the starting role after recovering from an injury.
Impact on Roster and Related Moves
In related developments, Gardner Minshew, who served as Kansas City’s backup quarterback in 2025, recently signed with the Arizona Cardinals.
The Jets acquired Geno Smith last week, positioning him as their prospective starter for the 2026 season.