Justin Fields embraces a fresh start with the Chiefs as Patrick Mahomes rehabs from knee surgery
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Justin Fields is ready for whatever role the Kansas City Chiefs need from him, whether that be starting for a few games while Patrick Mahomes is still recovering from knee surgery or serving as his backup once the regular season comes around. The biggest thing is that his fourth organization in four years made the effort to acquire him.
Earlier in the offseason, the Chiefs traded a sixth-round pick to the Jets and agreed to pick up $7 million of his guaranteed $10 million salary for the upcoming season. They needed insurance in the event Mahomes was not back by Week 1, and they also needed a backup quarterback with experience after Gardner Minshew struggled in that role with Kansas City last season. “I was excited, excited for a new start,” Field said Tuesday in his first availability since the trade.
“Of course there's tradition here, the culture here, the guys that are in the building, the experience — it was all I wanted. Definitely excited and excited to be here. ” The 27-year-old Fields had signed a two-year, $40 million deal — with $30 million guaranteed — with New York last March.
But he was just 2-7 as a starter, throwing for 1,259 yards with seven touchdowns and one interception. He threw for fewer than 55 yards on four occasions, including a season-low 27 yards in a loss to Buffalo in Week 2. When the Jets traded for Geno Smith , it became clear that Fields would be moving on.
New York was hopeful that it could find a trade partner, rather than simply releasing him, and general manager Darren Mougey found a taker in Kansas City. “I appreciate Justin and the way he's gone about everything so far. He's been great with everything,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said.