Report: Jets trading Fields to Chiefs
The New York Jets are finalizing a trade that would send quarterback Justin Fields to the Kansas City Chiefs, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.
The Jets will receive a 2027 sixth-round pick in exchange, reports NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.
There were other suitors, but Fields preferred to go to the Chiefs, Schefter reports. Fields will be insurance for Kansas City in case Patrick Mahomes isn't ready for Week 1. The three-time Super Bowl champ suffered a torn ACL in December, making his status for the start of the 2026 season uncertain.
The Chiefs will only cover $3 million of the $10 million in guaranteed money that Fields was due in 2026, a source told Pelissero.
The Jets signed Fields to a two-year, $40-million contract in free agency last year in hopes he could be their answer at quarterback. However, he struggled to find rhythm in the offense and made nine starts with seven touchdowns to one interception. He went 2-7 in his lone year in New York.
The Jets acquired quarterback Geno Smith in a trade with the Las Vegas Raiders last week. Smith began his career with the Jets in 2013 as a second-round pick.
The Chiefs were also in the market for a new backup quarterback after Gardner Minshew signed with the Arizona Cardinals in free agency.