Justin Fields has officially concluded his time with the New York Jets after just one season. The 27-year-old quarterback has been traded to the Kansas City Chiefs in exchange for a sixth-round pick in the 2027 NFL Draft, as confirmed by multiple sources. NFL Network was the first to report the trade.
While other teams showed interest in acquiring Fields, he expressed a preference for joining the Chiefs, where he will serve as a backup to Patrick Mahomes, who is currently rehabilitating from a torn ACL sustained late last season, according to ESPN.
To facilitate this trade, the Jets will cover $7 million of Fields” remaining $10 million guaranteed salary, with the Chiefs expected to pay the balance. Fields was signed by the Jets to a two-year, $40 million contract last year, as the team hoped to rejuvenate his career following unsuccessful tenures with the Chicago Bears and the Pittsburgh Steelers. Unfortunately, his time in New York was far from successful, as he was benched after nine starts, plagued by issues with downfield accuracy and an inability to release the ball promptly.
Jets owner Woody Johnson publicly criticized Fields” performance, especially after the team started the season with an 0-7 record. “It”s hard when you have a quarterback with a rating that he”s got,” Johnson stated. “I mean, he has the ability, but something just is not jiving.” He added that consistent performance is crucial for success at the quarterback position.
In response to the criticism, Fields led the Jets to their first victory of the season in Week 8 against the Cincinnati Bengals, completing 21 of 32 passes for 244 yards and a touchdown. Despite this brief success, his performance deteriorated, resulting in a 2-7 record as the Jets” starting quarterback and a QBR of 38.7, placing him 30th among 34 qualifying starters.
Following a loss to the New England Patriots on November 13, Fields was replaced by Tyrod Taylor. He did not start another game for the Jets, even after Taylor suffered a groin injury in December. The final four games of the Jets” disappointing 3-14 season were played by undrafted rookie free agent Brady Cook.
With the Jets acquiring Geno Smith from the Las Vegas Raiders just last week, Fields was expected to be released during the offseason. Now, he will serve as an insurance option for the Chiefs in case Mahomes is not ready to take the field for the season opener.
