Justin Fields’ time with the New York Jets has come to an end as he has been traded to the Kansas City Chiefs, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The deal sends Fields and a seventh-round pick to Kansas City in exchange for a 2027 sixth-round pick, reports NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. To facilitate the trade, the Jets are retaining $7 million of the $10 million guaranteed on Fields’ 2026 contract, making him an affordable backup option for the Chiefs while Patrick Mahomes continues to recover from an ACL injury.
Fields will now join a quarterback room that includes Mahomes, Chris Oladokun, and Jake Haener. Gardner Minshew, who previously backed up Mahomes, signed with the Arizona Cardinals last week, leaving an opening that Fields can immediately fill.
The former Ohio State quarterback will have the opportunity to run first-team reps during the offseason, potentially positioning himself for a short-term starting role in 2026 if Mahomes’ recovery delays his Week 1 return. Sources indicate Fields preferred the Chiefs over other suitors due to the chance for immediate involvement.
Justin Fields Traded to Chiefs, Jets Gain Cap Relief, Chiefs Add Backup DepthFields’ Trade Provides Jets Cap Relief, and Chiefs Experienced Backup Security
For the Jets, the trade was made possible after acquiring Geno Smith, whose contract restructuring limits New York’s 2026 responsibility to $3.3 million. Fields’ time in New York included nine starts, averaging less than 140 passing yards per game with a career-low 6.2 yards per attempt, alongside 383 rushing yards and four touchdowns. Criticism from team ownership and a struggling passing attack ultimately led to Fields being benched in favor of Tyrod Taylor and Brady Cook.
Financially, the trade is nearly neutral for the Jets, with $11 million in cap savings offset by $12 million in dead money. Kansas City gains a low-cost, experienced backup who can provide depth in a season where the starter’s availability is uncertain. Fields has expressed confidence in his abilities and will now have the chance to demonstrate them in a championship-caliber environment, while also serving as critical insurance behind Mahomes.
This move provides Fields with a fresh start and positions the Chiefs to maintain stability at quarterback as they navigate potential early-season challenges.
