Chiefs QB Justin Fields Could Make Unique NFL History

Fields could become first QB to start Week 1 for four different teams in four straight seasons.

Mar. 22, 2026 at 5:50pm

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If Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is not ready for the start of the 2026 NFL season due to a torn ACL, his backup Justin Fields could make history by starting Week 1 for his fourth different team in as many years. Fields previously started Week 1 games for the Bears in 2023, the Steelers in 2024, and the Jets in 2025.

Why it matters

This would be an unprecedented accomplishment in the NFL, as no quarterback has ever started Week 1 for four different teams in four straight seasons. It highlights the transient nature of the quarterback position in the modern NFL and the challenges some players face in finding a long-term home.

The details

According to ESPN's Rich Cimini, if Fields starts for the Chiefs in Week 1 of the 2026 season, he would become the first player in NFL history to open the season as the starting quarterback for four different teams in four consecutive years. Fields previously started Week 1 games for the Bears, Steelers, and Jets in the prior three seasons.

  • In 2023, Fields started for the Chicago Bears.
  • In 2024, Fields started for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
  • In 2025, Fields started for the New York Jets.

The players

Justin Fields

A quarterback who has started Week 1 games for three different NFL teams in the past three seasons and could potentially start for a fourth team, the Kansas City Chiefs, in 2026.

Patrick Mahomes

The current starting quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs who tore his ACL in December 2025, potentially opening the door for Justin Fields to start in Week 1 of the 2026 season.

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What they’re saying

“If Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who tore an ACL last December, isn't ready for the first week of the 2026 regular season, his new backup will make a very specific type of history.”

— Mike Florio

What’s next

If Mahomes is not ready for Week 1 of the 2026 season, the Chiefs will need to determine if Fields is the best option to start at quarterback or if they should pursue other alternatives.

The takeaway

Justin Fields' potential to start Week 1 for a fourth different team in as many years would be a remarkable and unprecedented accomplishment in the NFL, highlighting the volatility of the quarterback position and the challenges some players face in finding a long-term home.