Andy Reid is a believer in Justin Fields.
And this is important because Fields may have to play in the event Patrick Mahomes is unable to start the regular season, or if another injury occurs to the all-world star.
“Well, we snuck out and got a good quarterback to back him up,” Reid said, via Judy Battista of NFL Media. “So, if he doesn’t, you know, if he’s not able to make it for the beginning of the season, then we know we’ve got a legitimate backup there that can go win games for us.”
Fields was traded to the Chiefs from the Jets for a sixth-round pick in the 2027 NFL Draft following another uneasy season for the once-promising franchise quarterback.
Fields, the No. 11 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft out of Ohio State, spent his first three seasons with the Chicago Bears and showcased electric dual-threat abilities to the point of even being a popular preseason MVP pick prior to the 2023 season.
The speedy QB was then traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2024, where he eventually got the starting role before losing it to a returning Russell Wilson just over one month into the season.
He was the starter for the Jets last season after linking up with them in free agency, but played his way out of a starting role, and eventually ended the season on injured reserve with a knee ailment.
Having signed a two-year, $40 million deal, he is slated to re-enter free agency following the 2026 season.
Now on his fourth team in as many seasons, Fields, 27, has an opportunity to extend his career once more.
Across nine starts last season, Fields completed 62.7 percent on his passes, logging 1,259 passing yards, seven touchdowns and one interception through the air.
He also rushed for four touchdowns across 71 carries and 383 yards on the ground.
Fields has 9,039 career passing yards with 52 touchdowns to 32 interceptions and a completion percentage of 61.4.
He has also amassed 2,892 rushing yards, 489 carries and 23 rushing TDs.
