Not knowing exactly when quarterback Patrick Mahomes will return from his torn ACL, the Kansas City Chiefs took some precaution this offseason.
The team traded for former first-round pick Justin Fields from the New York Jets, and with speculation that Mahomes could miss the first few games of the 2026 season, it appears Fields will get at least some playing time next season.
Mahomes and his camp have been adamant that he will be ready for Week 1, but given the 12-month timeline for ACL recoveries, Mahomes’ chances of playing in the season opener appear pretty slim but not impossible.
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So, where does that leave Fields?
Well, according to The Athletic’s Jesse Newell, head coach Andy Reid has some stuff in mind to work him into the mix.
“Andy Reid reiterates he believes Justin Fields is more than a gadget guy at QB,” Newell wrote on X. “When asked if Fields would have a package, Reid didn’t dismiss the possibility and said he wanted to talk more with Fields. Joked that Fields was bored, the Chiefs would find him something to do.”
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The 2025 season is one Fields would like to forget.
He was 2-7 as the Jets’ starter, throwing for 1,259 yards, seven touchdowns, and one interception while rushing for 383 yards and four more scores. However, he took 27 sacks, and New York’s offense struggled to move the chains in most of his starts.
But in Kansas City, Fields will have a much better supporting cast.
The Chiefs have more playmakers — running back Kenneth Walker, wide receivers Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy, Travis Kelce — than the Jets did, and they have a much better offensive line.
Kansas City’s O-line was ranked 10th in the NFL last season, while New York’s was 22nd, according to Pro Football Focus.