Chiefs Trade for High-Profile QB Justin Fields

New York Jets deal backup QB to Kansas City for $7 million in salary relief

Mar. 16, 2026 at 4:07pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Kansas City Chiefs have acquired quarterback Justin Fields from the New York Jets in a trade. Fields, a former first-round pick, will serve as the backup to star QB Patrick Mahomes in Kansas City. The Jets are retaining a significant portion of Fields' guaranteed salary as part of the deal.

Why it matters

The Chiefs have been searching for a reliable backup quarterback to Mahomes, and Fields represents a high-upside option with starting experience. The trade also allows the Jets to move on from Fields and clear salary cap space, while the Chiefs add a talented young QB to develop behind their superstar starter.

The details

According to reports, the Chiefs will send an undisclosed draft pick to the Jets in exchange for Fields. The Jets will pay off all but $3 million of Fields' $10 million guaranteed salary, making the deal financially palatable for Kansas City. Fields was originally drafted by the Chicago Bears in 2021 but has since spent time with the Jets and now heads to the Chiefs, where he will learn behind Patrick Mahomes and work with offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy.

  • The trade was finalized on March 16, 2026.

The players

Justin Fields

A 24-year-old quarterback who was a first-round draft pick of the Chicago Bears in 2021 and has since spent time with the New York Jets.

Patrick Mahomes

The star quarterback of the Kansas City Chiefs, who will now have Fields as his backup.

Eric Bieniemy

The offensive coordinator of the Kansas City Chiefs, who will be tasked with developing Fields in his new role.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Trade: the New York Jets are finalizing a deal that will send QB Justin Fields to the Kansas City Chiefs, pending a physical, per ESPN sources. Other teams were interested, but Fields' preference was to go to Kansas City.”

— Adam Schefter, ESPN Reporter

“According to Zach Rosenblatt of The Athletic, the Jets are paying off everything except $3 million of Fields' $10 million guaranteed salary.”

— Zach Rosenblatt, Reporter

What’s next

The Chiefs will look to integrate Fields into their offense during the offseason program and preseason, with the goal of having him ready to step in if needed during the 2026 NFL season.

The takeaway

This trade represents a low-risk, high-upside move for the Chiefs, who add a talented young quarterback to develop behind their superstar starter Patrick Mahomes. For the Jets, it allows them to move on from Fields and clear salary cap space, while the Chiefs get a potential long-term backup option.