Chiefs Acquire Fields from Jets

The Kansas City Chiefs acquired quarterback Justin Fields from the New York Jets on Monday, March 16, 2026, in a transaction involving a 2027 sixth-round draft pick. This trade addresses the Chiefs' need for a backup quarterback as Patrick Mahomes recovers from a torn ACL sustained in December, with his Week 1 availability uncertain. The Jets will pay $7 million of Fields' $10 million guaranteed salary for the 2026 season.

The Chiefs received an 'A' grade for the acquisition, securing a former first-round pick for minimal draft capital and with the Jets covering most of his salary. Fields is expected to take most offseason snaps while Mahomes is sidelined. The Jets received a 'C' grade, having signed Fields last year and now paying him approximately $30 million for nine starts in the 2025 season. This deal effectively exchanges Fields for Geno Smith, whom the Jets acquired for a sixth-round pick.

In related NFL free agency news, several teams made significant bargain signings. The San Francisco 49ers signed wide receiver Mike Evans to a three-year, $42.4 million deal, providing a high-quality outside threat. The Las Vegas Raiders acquired linebacker Nakobe Dean for three years and $36 million, a value deal contingent on his health. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed running back Kenneth Gainwell to a two-year, $14 million contract, adding a versatile back to their roster.