Chiefs Sign Backup QB Justin Fields

Veteran Patrick Mahomes to have young star as understudy

Mar. 29, 2026 at 10:05pm

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The Kansas City Chiefs have signed former first-round draft pick Justin Fields to be the backup quarterback behind star Patrick Mahomes. The move provides the Chiefs with a talented young QB to develop behind their established starter.

Why it matters

The Chiefs have built a perennial contender around Mahomes, but wanted to ensure they have a capable backup in place in case of injury or other issues. Adding Fields, a former top prospect, gives them an insurance policy and potential future starter.

The details

The Chiefs signed Fields, the 11th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, to a 3-year contract. Fields will serve as the primary backup to Mahomes, who has led the Chiefs to multiple Super Bowl appearances. The move provides the Chiefs with a talented young QB to develop and potentially groom as Mahomes' successor down the line.

  • The Chiefs signed Fields on March 25, 2026.

The players

Patrick Mahomes

The star quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs, leading the team to multiple Super Bowl appearances.

Justin Fields

A former first-round draft pick, Fields joins the Chiefs as the backup quarterback behind Mahomes.

Kansas City Chiefs

The professional American football team based in Kansas City, Missouri.

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What’s next

The Chiefs will look to develop Fields as Mahomes' understudy, with the potential for him to eventually take over as the starting QB.

The takeaway

The Chiefs have made a savvy move to bring in a talented young quarterback to learn behind their established star, ensuring they have a strong backup plan and potential future starter in place.