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Main Photo: [David Butler II] Imagn Images

Chiefs Advised to Sign Former First-Round Pick

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports
By Mike Roberts | Last updated Dec 21, 2025 8:47 AM ET

Could Justin Fields sign with the Kansas City Chiefs? With Patrick Mahomes’ injury, the team needs help at quarterback.

Mahomes, of course, tore his ACL and LCL during the Week 15 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. He will miss the remainder of the season and might not be ready by the start of the 2026 campaign.

Fields will likely be released by the New York Jets this offseason. Jeff Howe of The Athletic listed the Chiefs as a possible landing spot for the struggling quarterback.

“Fields should seek out the Kansas City Chiefs, (Indianapolis) Colts or (Minnesota) Vikings,” Howe wrote. “Whether or not Patrick Mahomes (torn ACL) will be ready for Week 1, Fields could do a lot worse than Andy Reid’s offense for a spell.”

Justin Fields has had a disappointing year in New York. But he could become a respectable QB2 with the Chiefs.

Chiefs Advised to Sign Quarterback Justin Fields

Looking Back at His Career

Justin Fields began his collegiate career with the Georgia Bulldogs. He backed up Jake Fromm during his freshman year. After one season at Georgia, he packed up his bags and transferred to Ohio State. Fields wound up playing two seasons with the Buckeyes, passing for 5,373 yards and 63 touchdowns. He skipped his senior year and entered the NFL draft.

The Chicago Bears selected Fields as the 11th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. He started 10 games during his rookie year, throwing for 1,870 yards and seven touchdowns. He also rushed for 420 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

During the 2022 campaign, Fields passed for 2,242 yards and 17 touchdowns. He also had 1,143 rushing yards and eight rushing touchdowns. Fields joined Michael Vick and Lamar Jackson as the only quarterbacks in NFL history to rush for at least 1,000 yards in a season.

Fields threw for 2,562 yards and 16 touchdowns in 2023. He recorded 657 rushing yards and four touchdowns as well.

The Bears landed the first overall pick in the 2024 draft and selected quarterback Caleb Williams. The move prompted Chicago to trade Fields to the Pittsburgh Steelers in March 2023.

Fields began the 2024 season as Pittsburgh’s starting quarterback. He posted a 4-2 record before being replaced by veteran Russell Wilson for the rest of the year. Fields threw for 1,106 yards and five touchdowns last season.

During the 2025 offseason, the Jets signed Fields to a two-year, $40 million contract. The former Ohio State star was benched after a Week 11 loss to the New England Patriots this season. He has not suited up for the last few games due to a knee injury.

Does Signing Justin Fields Make Sense?

Justin Fields was expected to have a productive career. That’s why he was a first-round pick. Yet, that hasn’t been the case thus far. Fields, who’s in his fifth NFL season, is already on his third team.

If Fields winds up in Kansas City, he would likely only have to start a few games, holding down the fort until Mahomes is fully healthy. He wouldn’t have to play like a superstar.

Fields could learn a lot by being around Mahomes, a three-time Super Bowl champ and arguably the league’s best quarterback right now.

It makes since for Kansas City to sign Fields this offseason (if the Jets cut him). The Georgia native is a dual threat who could serve as a solid backup for Mahomes.

This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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