There is unfortunately no timeline for when Patrick Mahomes may fully heal from his torn ACL. Given Kansas City’s roster deficiencies, if he’s out for the upcoming season for a significant amount of time, it could be costly. As such, rolling out Chris Oladukon once more with the season on life support isn’t a great decision. Instead, Brett Veach opts to bring in a QB who’s ceiling may be capped, but is a stable option nonetheless.
Justin Fields’ beginnings
Jan 11, 2021; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Justin Fields (1) against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2021 CFP National Championship Game. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Coming out of college in 2021, Justin Fields was part of the new wave of dual threat QBs. With Lamar Jackson’s electrifying play securing an MVP award, the copycat league that is the NFL took notice. Someone like Fields fit the mold GMs were looking for. In his two years at Ohio State, he passed for 5,373 yards and 63 touchdowns. More importantly, he was a threat every time he ran with the ball.
Selection by Chicago
Aug 28, 2021; Nashville, TN, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields (1) during the first half against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images
Matt Nagy and the Bears were in need of a franchise QB, so, they gave that title to Justin Fields. After giving away a haul, including two first round picks, in order to trade up, the Bears took Fields with the 11th overall pick.
End of Chicago tenure
Jan 7, 2024; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields (1) during warmups prior to the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
Unfortunately, the optimism which permeated the air surrounding Fields in Chicago dissipated. It was clear he had potential, but after his third year concluded, a question arose regarding whether he’d be able to tap into it and make his price tag worthwhile. With the first overall pick in their pockets, the Bears had a choice to make. Either run it back with Fields and trade down for a king’s ransom, or take the more likely option to be their franchise QB. They chose the latter.
Stint with the Steelers
Oct 6, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields (2) runs the ball against the Dallas Cowboys during the first quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Given the fact that Chicago had Caleb Williams on their minds, they decided to trade Justin Fields. Pittsburgh became his new home, and along with Russel Wilson, they brought stability after the disappointing showings by Kenny Pickett. Fields was deemed the backup after training camp, but did suit up for a few games when Wilson got hurt. In his six starts, he amassed 1,106, 5 TDs and just one INT. He was a very calming presence, albeit with a lower ceiling.
Joining the Jets
Jul 25, 2025; Florham Park, NJ, USA; New York Jets quarterback Justin Fields (7) looks on during a drill at training camp at Atlantic Health Jets Training Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
His rookie contract expired with the Steelers, and Fields hit free agency. The young QB wanted to go to an environment where he’d have the chance to start, so, he picked New York. The Jets were undergoing a rebuild under Aaron Glenn, and having someone like Fields was supposed to maintain stable play. It was a two year deal worth $20 million annually and $30 million guaranteed.
Disastrous Jets Campaign
Nov 9, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets quarterback Justin Fields (7) rolls out during the first half against the Cleveland Browns at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Unfortunately, Fields did little to help New York’s situation. While the faults with the Jets lie beyond their signal-caller, Fields was a liability on the field, ironically because of his stability. While he wasn’t turning the ball over, he was doing very little to propel the offense to great heights. He still struggled to pass over the middle of the field, couldn’t read defenses, and was clearly limiting the team. Once more, the problems with the franchise as a whole run deeper than Fields, but their future didn’t have his name in it.
Geno Smith’s addition
Dec 28, 2025; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) looks to throw in the third quarter against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Now that the Jets were once more in the market for a QB, a familiar old face popped up. Geno Smith, the team’s second round pick back in 2013, just concluded a train wreck season of his own. While he did show his age this last season, it was clear that the supporting cast around him constantly brought him down. The Jets have the potential to make it work with Smith, and considering he’s a more viable option right now, they decided to trade for him.
Patrick Mahomes’ injury
Dec 14, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) is attended to by team medical staff following an injury during the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
While this was taking place, Patrick Mahomes was and still is nursing a torn ACL. Back in week 15, his team was facing playoff elimination. Holes in the defense, turnstile offensive line and a lack of weapons were what finally seemed to take down the big bad Chiefs. Still, Mahomes wasn’t going to accept defeat, and he was set to mount a game-winning drive against the Chargers. On that drive though, he cemented 2025 as a complete disaster for KC. He tore his ACL, which not only ended his campaign, but also jeopardized his availability for the following year.
The trade
Feb 24, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; New York Jets general manager Darren Mougey speaks at the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
KC could not afford to roll out Chris Oladukon as their starter, and needed someone at least above average to man the ship in the case where Mahomes isn’t ready week 1. That’s where Fields comes in. As part of the deal, the Chiefs send away a 2027 sixth round pick in exchange for Justin Fields. The Jets were likely going to release him anyways, so scrounging up any return at all is a great move by New York.
What it means
Nov 23, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; New York Jets quarterback Justin Fields (7) looks on before the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-Imagn Images
We won’t know for sure whether or not Patrick Mahomes will be ready come kickoff. If worst case scenario happens though, the Chiefs will be ready. Fields has not lived up to his draft status, but he’s not a bottom-tier player either. He can man an offense well enough, and with Andy Reid scheming plays for him, who knows what’s in store for him come 2026?
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