Chiefs UFA Still Shows Up for Offseason Program Despite Not Yet Being Re-Signed by Kansas City

Kansas City, Missouri – Just a day after joining the Kansas City Chiefs, Justin Fields, the team’s backup QB, made candid remarks about stepping in for Patrick Mahomes for the first five games of the 2026 season. Although not the starting choice, Fields expressed his readiness to fulfill his role and didn’t see it as a burden. “Playing behind Mahomes is a great opportunity. I don’t see it as a pressure, but as a chance to learn and grow,” Fields shared. With Mahomes recovering from an ACL injury, which may sideline him for 1-5 games, Fields will have the opportunity to lead the Chiefs during this period. Fields’ words immediately caused a stir within the NFL community, as he not only expressed humility but also showed maturity in accepting his role as a backup. He added, “I’ve learned a lot from Mahomes. This opportunity will help me improve and give my best to the team.” Fields joined the Chiefs after a trade from the New York Jets, where he wasn’t able to establish himself as the starting QB. But with Mahomes sidelined, the opportunity opened up for him. It’s reported that Chiefs chose Fields as the backup QB ahead of the season, as Head Coach Andy Reid and the coaching staff saw potential in him. “We’ve got a quality QB to back up Mahomes. If Mahomes can’t go, we know we have a reliable backup who can hold his own,” Reid said. A player with 53 games played across five professional seasons, Fields is still looking to prove himself in a highly competitive team like Kansas City Chiefs. Although not the No. 1 QB, Fields is fully aware of the significant role he plays in maintaining stability for the team during Mahomes' absence. While Fields might not be the long-term solution for the Chiefs' QB position, he is committed to giving his all while Mahomes recovers. His Chiefs teammates also have faith in his abilities. One team member shared, “We see Fields' effort during training, and we’re confident he’ll keep us steady on the field.” Experts believe that Fields' running ability from the QB position will be a crucial asset to help the Chiefs stay strong during Mahomes’ time off. Although not the perfect replacement for Mahomes, Fields will provide important depth, ensuring the team doesn’t falter during key games. The question is, when Mahomes returns, will Fields have the opportunity to continue developing, or will he return to being the backup for the QB1? Regardless, Fields is proving that he can play a vital role on a competitive team, and he is more than just a backup QB. By stepping in for Mahomes, Fields is building valuable experience and creating an opportunity for himself to grow in the future. This is Fields' chance to prove he’s not just a backup but can become a top-tier QB in the future. In conclusion, despite the surprise of this decision, Chiefs hope Fields will perform well in his role and keep the team stable during the first part of the 2026 season.