CJustin Fields’ unique NFL history hinges on Patrick Mahomes as financial failure of Jets QB deal laid bare

Mar 23, 2026 - 14:45

Justin Fields has a chance to make unique NFL history in Week 1 of the 2026 season.

After struggling with the New York Jets last year, the 27-year-old quarterback was traded to the Kansas City Chiefs earlier this month.

Justin Fields of the New York Jets scrambles out of the pocket during an NFL football game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on November 13, 2025 — Fields has joined the Chiefs in a surprise trade ahead of the 2026 season

He will serve as backup to Patrick Mahomes at Arrowhead Stadium, and will suit up for his fourth team in as many years come September.

Fields was drafted 11th overall by the Chicago Bears in 2021, and spent three seasons there, before departing for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

After one year in the Steel City, he landed with the Jets, where he was benched by Week 8 following an 0-7 start.

Meanwhile Kansas City’s franchise quarterback, Two-time MVP Mahomes, is recovering from a serious knee injury and underwent surgery to repair a torn ACL and LCL in December.

There are question marks over his status for the 2026 season-opener, and if he doesn’t make it back to the field for then, Fields will have the opportunity to make NFL history.

Unique Justin Fields opportunity hinges on Patrick Mahomes return

According to Rich Cimini of ESPN, if Fields starts for the Chiefs in Week 1, then he would become the first player in NFL history to open the season as the starting quarterback for four different teams in four consecutive years.

In 2023, Fields started for the Bears. In 2024, he started for the Steelers, as Russell Wilson battled injury. In 2025, he started for the Jets.

He’s already one of just seven QBs since 1950 to make three-straight Week 1 starts for three different teams.

Come 2026, he could suit up for the Chiefs on opening day, depending on Mahomes’ availability.

To add to the drama, Kansas City is scheduled to face New York at home in 2026, meaning Fields could get a shot to start against his former team.

Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs greets Justin Fields of the Chicago Bears after the game at Arrowhead Stadium on September 24, 2023 — Fields could make history if Mahomes doesn’t return in Week 1

However, three-time Super Bowl champion Mahomes is said to be pushing hard for a return, ahead of the anticipated 9-12 month recovery timeline.

He’s already back in the facility working following his surgery, according to Andy Reid.

“He’s around here all the time,” Kansas City’s head coach said, back in January.

“He spends a ton of time here, seven hours a day. He’s in there cranking away and making progress every day. It’s great to see. (Athletic trainer Julie Frymyer) grinds on him and makes sure he stays on task and challenges him.

“He keeps showing up. That’s about half the battle on these things when you have these injuries.

“It’s not going to be a pleasant thing. Every day, you’ve got to fight through it and you’ve got to attack the challenge of the workout and rehab.

Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes reacts prior to the game against the Washington Commanders at Arrowhead Stadium on October 27, 2025 — Mahomes is working hard and could make his injury return far sooner than expected

“He’s doing a great job with that.”

While Fields has the chance to make NFL history with the Chiefs, the Jets will be paying towards that ambition.

New York on hook for failed quarterbacks but plan is clear

As part of a deep dive into New York’s salary cap situation, Cimini noted that the team are paying new QB Geno Smith $3.3 million to be their starter, and Fields $8m to be Kansas City’s backup.

On top of that, Fields and Aaron Rodgers, the team’s last two opening-day starters, are said to be eating up a massive $48m in cap space (about 16 percent) because of dead charges.

Aaron Rodgers #8 of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Justin Fields #7 of the New York Jets meet after the Steelers beat the Jets 34-32 at MetLife Stadium on September 07, 2025 — The Jets are still on the hook for Rodgers and Fields

The numbers, though, are part of a ;carefully crafted plan’ from general manager Darren Mougey.

A chunk of the Fields cap hit ($20m) has resulted from his trade to the Chiefs, in which the Jets receive a 2027 sixth-round pick.

Cimini reports that it would’ve cost $23m to keep him on the roster. New York wound up eating most of Fields’ $10m guarantee, which was necessary to facilitate the trade.

But in 2027, the outlook is much better. The Jets are expected to have more than $150m in cap space next year, which will allow them to make major offseason moves.

The team also has three first-round picks in the 2027 draft, putting them in prime position to sign or trade for the biggest names available in any position — including quarterback.

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