Chiefs trade for QB Justin Fields from Jets: reports

Fields assumes the backup role behind Patrick Mahomes

There’s a new backup quarterback in Kansas City.

The Chiefs sent a 2027 sixth-round pick to the New York Jets in exchange for quarterback Justin Fields, according to multiple reports.

ESPN first reported the news.

Fields, 27, projects to hold down the offense in the coming months, especially when considering Patrick Mahomes continues to recover from ACL and LCL surgery.

While the Chiefs are hopeful Mahomes will be ready for the start of the 2026 regular season, having Fields on the roster provides some insurance.

Fields ultimately checks the box for what the Chiefs prefer in a backup quarterback, specifically a veteran presence.

He joins a long line of experienced signal-callers to assume the backup role, a list that includes Gardner Minshew (2025), Carson Wentz (2024), Blaine Gabbert (2023), Chad Henne (2018, 2020-22) and Matt Moore (2019).

The 6-foot-3, 227-pound Fields has appeared in 59 career games with 53 starts, completing 812-of-1,323 pass attempts (61.4%) for 9,039 yards and 52 touchdowns against 32 interceptions.

He is also a dual-threat quarterback, evidenced by 2,892 yards rushing and 23 touchdowns in his career.

Nevertheless, Fields’ career reflects a series of ups and downs.

He joins his fourth team since entering the NFL in 2021 out of Ohio State as a first-round pick (11^th overall) with the Chicago Bears before being traded in 2024 to the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he spent one season.

Fields then signed a two-year deal with the Jets last offseason but apparently became expendable after the Jets traded for Geno Smith.

The Chiefs’ newest backup quarterback holds a 16-37 overall record as a starter.

CALIENDO RETURNS

In other free agency news, the Chiefs over the weekend made a move to bolster offensive line depth.

The Chiefs brought back guard Mike Caliendo on a one-year deal, a source confirmed with KC Sports Network.

Caliendo had options after the Chiefs didn’t extend a qualifying restricted free agent tender but he “prioritized” a return to Kansas City, the source said.

The Chiefs’ move to re-sign Caliendo gives the offensive line a player with years of experience, including stints as a starter at both guard positions, in the scheme.