Emotional $38m QB who ‘failed’ with Bears and Jets is perfect Andy Reid reclamation project on revived Chiefs

Mar 17, 2026 - 12:45

The New York Jets almost brought Justin Fields to tears.

The Chicago Bears burned a first-round pick on the former Ohio State star, then gave up on Fields the moment that Caleb Williams became available as a No. 1 selection in the NFL Draft.

A change of scenery could be perfect for Justin Fields

Jets turned Fields into crying QB betrayed by team

“It’s been a lot for me, emotionally, spiritually,” Fields said in October 2025.

“When I was on the field, I was damn near about to start crying.”

Throw in Jets owner Woody Johnson — whose family is worth $16 billion — throwing the 27-year-old quarterback under the team bus, and the initial five seasons of Fields’ pro career have been a reminder of how cutthroat NFL life can be.

“Football is football, but it was so much more just about the journey and about how we got to this point and just facing adversity and fighting through adversity,” said Fields, after he guided the previously winless Jets to a 39-38 comeback road victory over the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 8.

Five months later, a 67-year-old head coach could be the perfect answer to save what remains of Fields’ NFL career.

Andy Reid has exceled with Patrick Mahomes, Alex Smith, Donovan McNabb and Michael Vick.

While Mahomes recovers from major knee surgery, Fields has the potential to become Kansas City’s Week 1 starter — or a trusted backup — during a pivotal season for the next stage in the Chiefs’ dynasty.

Giving up a 2027 sixth-round draft pick for Fields was a no-brainer for the Chiefs, especially with Mahomes rehabbing ACL and LCL injuries.

Andy Reid knows how to get best out of QBs

“Another Reid project loading,” one fan tweeted.

“He (Fields) might be dangerous this time,” a second fan posted.

Justin Fields can lean on Andy Reid to rebuild his NFL career with the Chiefs — Fields can lean on Andy Reid to rebuild his NFL career with the Chiefs

Fields was a winner with the Steelers but lost his job to Russell Wilson

“This is a good pickup for us since Mahomes is still injured,” a third fan wrote. Welcome to KC Justin Fields.”

Fields twice finished in the top seven in Heisman Trophy Voting.

The Georgia native is an NFL dual threat, with 9,039 career passing yards, 2,892 rushing yards and 85 touchdowns.

He was good enough to finish ninth in NFL MVP voting in 2022, went 4-2 as the Pittsburgh Steelers‘ starting QB in 2024 and has earned more than $38 million in the league.

But after the Bears chose Williams over Fields in 2024, the latter’s career spiraled downward.

Bears also gave up on Fields early

“Of course I want to stay (in Chicago),” Fields said on the St. Brown Brothers podcast. “I can’t see myself playing in another place. But if it was up to me, I would want to stay in Chicago. I love the city. The city’s lit. The fans there are great, and the people.

“It’s a business. I ain’t got no control over it; whatever happens, happens. I think the biggest thing with all this going on right now, I just want it to be over. Like, just let me know if I’m getting traded, let me know if I’m staying.”

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Listening to Jets owner Johnson publicly state that Fields struggled to complete a single pass became a new professional low.

“It’s hard when you have a quarterback with a rating that he’s got,” Johnson said.

“He has ability, but something just is not jiving. … You have to play consistently at that position.”

Fields has also thrown 52 more TD passes than a billionaire who has watched the Jets produce a losing record in 10 consecutive seasons.

The Chiefs should be back in the playoffs in 2026.

Kansas City will be a Super Bowl contender again with a healed Mahomes — and a highly motivated Fields.

“I told the guys before the game three things: Belief, focus and playing free,” said Fields, after completing 21-of-32 passes for 244 yards, one TD and a 99 passer rating, while adding 31 rushing yards in the Jets’ first win of 2025.

As a Chiefs, Fields could be even better than that.

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