Chiefs Acquire Justin Fields from Jets to Back Up Mahomes Amid Recovery
The Kansas City Chiefs have traded for New York Jets quarterback Justin Fields, according to CBS Sports NFL insider Jonathan Jones. The 2021 first-round pick, selected 11th overall, will serve as a backup to three-time Super Bowl champion Patrick Mahomes. In the deal, the Chiefs are sending a 2027 sixth-round pick to the Jets, who will absorb a significant portion of Fields' salary, which is guaranteed at $10 million. Mahomes is currently recovering from a torn ACL sustained in Week 15 of the previous season. He provided a positive update in January, stating that rehab was "going great so far." As Mahomes continues his recovery through the offseason, Fields is expected to take the majority of reps during offseason workouts and training camp. Last season, Gardner Minshew filled the role of QB2 for the Chiefs and started in Week 16, but his season ended due to injury. Minshew is now with the Arizona Cardinals, leaving an opening on the roster for Fields. Fields brings significant starting experience, having started in 53 of 59 games with a record of 16-37. In 2025, he struggled with the Jets, going 2-7 in nine starts and failing to secure a win in the first seven games of the year, which drew criticism from team owner Woody Johnson. Over the season, Fields accumulated 1,259 passing yards, seven touchdowns, and only one interception.
Source: CBS Sports - 2026-03-16