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Chiefs Acquire QB Justin Fields on Discounted Contract
Kansas City to pay backup QB $3 million in 2026 after trade with Jets
Mar. 22, 2026 at 5:05pm
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The Kansas City Chiefs have acquired former first-round quarterback Justin Fields in a trade with the New York Jets. Fields, who struggled to find his footing in the NFL after a standout college career, will join the Chiefs as a backup to star QB Patrick Mahomes on a discounted contract in 2026.
Why it matters
The trade for Fields represents a low-risk, high-upside move for the Chiefs as they look to build depth at the quarterback position behind Mahomes. If Fields can regain his college form, he could provide valuable insurance for Kansas City down the road.
The details
As part of the trade, the Chiefs sent a sixth-round pick in the 2027 NFL Draft to the Jets in exchange for Fields' contract. New York also agreed to pay a portion of Fields' $3 million fully guaranteed base salary for the 2026 season, making the deal more palatable for Kansas City.
- The trade was completed in early March 2026.
The players
Justin Fields
A former first-round pick who struggled to find his footing in the NFL after a standout college career at Georgia and Ohio State.
Patrick Mahomes
The star quarterback of the Kansas City Chiefs, who will remain the team's starter with Fields joining as the backup.
New York Jets
The team that traded Fields to the Chiefs in exchange for a 2027 sixth-round pick and agreeing to pay part of his 2026 salary.
What they’re saying
“If Justin can regain his college form, he could be a real asset for us down the road.”
— Brett Veach, Chiefs General Manager
What’s next
The Chiefs will look to develop Fields as their backup quarterback behind Mahomes, with the hope that he can eventually challenge for a starting role.
The takeaway
The Chiefs' acquisition of Justin Fields on a discounted contract represents a low-risk, high-upside move as they look to build depth at the quarterback position behind their star, Patrick Mahomes.
