Denver's NFL phenom QB surges into rival M-W's top-tier squad in explosive acquisition!
As Patrick Mahomes rehabs from a torn ACL, the Chiefs acquired Justin Fields, who has started against the Broncos in each of the last three seasons.
The Kansas City Chiefs have a new backup quarterback. The Chiefs have agreed to trade a future sixth-round draft pick to the New York Jets in exchange for quarterback Justin Fields, according to multiple reports (via Chiefs Wire ). Kansas City needed to add a new backup behind Patrick Mahomes after losing Gardner Minshew to the Arizona Cardinals during NFL free agency.
Fields is now poised to lead the Chiefs' first-team offense during spring drills while Mahomes recovers from ACL and LCL surgery. Mahomes suffered his knee injury on Dec. 14, and it's still not clear if he will be ready for Week 1 of the 2026 season.
If Mahomes is not able to start early in the season, Fields would be the next man up. The Denver Broncos will face each AFC West rival — including KC — at home and on the road in 2026, but their finalized schedule with dates for each opponent is not expected to be announced until May . Denver opened the 2023 season at home against the Las Vegas Raiders , so beginning the season against a division rival is a possibility.
Fields has started three games against the Broncos in his career, going 1-2 in those contests. Denver defeated Fields and the Jets 13-11 in London in 2025. One year earlier, Fields and the Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Broncos 13-6 in Week 2 of the 2024 campaign.