Justin Fields Traded To Chiefs To Be Mahomes Insurance Plan

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by Matthew MendivesMarch 17, 2026, 1:59 am >

The New York Jets have traded quarterback Justin Fields to the Kansas City Chiefs.

The Chiefs will give the Jets a 2027 seventh-round pick. The Jets have agreed to keep some of Fields’ contract.

Fields signed a two-year, $40 million contract with the Jets last offseason. Fields was coming off a career year with the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he threw five touchdowns in six starts.

What allowed Fields to succeed with the Steelers was his low sack rate. He had a career-low nine percent sack rate in 2024. In 2025, it jumped to 11.7%. Despite having solid overall numbers, seven touchdowns and one interception in nine starts, the sacks made it clear that Fields wasn’t the long-term answer.

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The Jets recently traded for Geno Smith, which eliminated the need for Fields. Brady Cook will likely serve as the backup again.

For the Chiefs, Patrick Mahomes is coming off a torn ACL. Although Mahomes is optimistic about returning in Week 1, it’s unlikely. Fields will likely serve as the starter until Mahomes is fully healthy.

Seventh-round pick Chris Oladokun was the starter last season after Mahomes got hurt. He only threw one touchdown in three games.

The Chiefs brought back Eric Bieniemy as offensive coordinator for the 2026 season. Bieniemy is known for his work in the run game. This can help take pressure off of Fields.

One worrisome detail is that the Chiefs’ offensive line was similar to the Jets’ last season. The Jets had the No. 18 offensive line while the Chiefs had the No. 19, according to Pro Football Network. Fields could end up dealing with issues with taking too many sacks, as he did with the Jets.

Training camps will begin in July. Fields will work with players and coaches to adjust to the Chiefs’ system.