Chiefs Acquire QB Justin Fields in Trade

Andy Reid confident Fields can win games while Mahomes recovers from injury

Mar. 29, 2026 at 5:42pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a football quarterback in motion, with sharp, overlapping planes of color representing the dynamic, multifaceted nature of the position.The Chiefs' trade for Justin Fields adds a dynamic dual-threat QB to their roster, providing depth and options as Patrick Mahomes recovers from injury.Today in Pittsburgh

The Kansas City Chiefs have acquired quarterback Justin Fields in a trade, with the former first-round pick set to serve as the primary backup to Patrick Mahomes. Chiefs head coach Andy Reid is high on Fields' potential, believing the dual-threat QB has the tools to win games for the team while Mahomes recovers from an ACL injury.

Why it matters

The addition of Fields provides the Chiefs with a capable backup option at quarterback, ensuring they have depth at the position as Mahomes works his way back from injury. Fields' mobility and playmaking ability could also allow the Chiefs to utilize him in certain packages or situations, providing an alternative look for the offense.

The details

Fields, the 11th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, has had an up-and-down career so far, playing for the Chicago Bears and Pittsburgh Steelers. In 59 career games (53 starts), he has thrown for 9,039 yards, 52 touchdowns, and 32 interceptions, while also rushing for 2,892 yards and 23 touchdowns. Last season with the New York Jets, he completed 62.7% of his passes for 1,259 yards, 7 touchdowns, and 1 interception, while adding 383 rushing yards and 4 rushing touchdowns before a knee injury ended his season.

  • The Chiefs acquired Fields in a trade on March 29, 2026.
  • Mahomes is recovering from an ACL injury and may not be ready for the start of the 2026 season.

The players

Andy Reid

The head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs, who is confident in Fields' ability to win games while Mahomes recovers from injury.

Justin Fields

The former first-round pick out of Ohio State, who has bounced around the NFL, playing for the Chicago Bears and Pittsburgh Steelers before being traded to the Chiefs.

Patrick Mahomes

The three-time Super Bowl champion quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs, who is recovering from an ACL injury.

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What they’re saying

“Well, we snuck out and got a good quarterback to back him up. So, if he doesn't, you know, if he's not able to make it for the beginning of the season, then we know we've got a legitimate backup there that can go win games for us.”

— Andy Reid, Head Coach, Kansas City Chiefs

“This is for any player that doesn't have the season we would like for them to have. It's always disappointing. I don't want to focus on Justin with this. Any player that we have high hopes for, and the season doesn't go the way we wanted to go, we're always disappointed in that.”

— Aaron Glenn, Head Coach, New York Jets

What’s next

As Mahomes continues to rehab his ACL injury, the Chiefs will monitor his progress and determine if Fields will be the starting quarterback to begin the 2026 season.

The takeaway

The acquisition of Justin Fields provides the Chiefs with a talented and experienced backup quarterback who can step in and win games if Mahomes is not ready for the start of the 2026 season. This move demonstrates the Chiefs' commitment to maintaining a strong quarterback room and ensuring they have depth at the position.