The Chiefs' plan is about to get executed for their comeback to Super Bowl-winning time. 

In the 2025 season, Andy Reid's man struggled to play the postseason for the first time in 10 years. Their star quarterback, Patrick Mahomes' brutal ACL injury directly reflects their disappointing season.

But it looks like the Chiefs have learned their lesson, as they have signed Justin Fields as Mahomes' backup quarterback option from the New York Jets.

"Well, we snuck out and got a good quarterback to back him up," Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said during an interview with Judy Battista on Saturday. "So, if he doesn't, you know, if he's not able to make it for the beginning of the season, then we know we've got a legitimate backup there that can go win games for us."

Mahomes suffered a season-ending knee injury in 2025. Now, the franchise is preparing for his early-season absence, and the team traded a 2027 sixth-round pick for New York Jets quarterback Justin Fields.

The transaction secures an immediate, low-cost choice for the team for $3M. But why this move and Reid's statement on Fields sound surprising?

Fields struggled immensely with the New York Jets last season. He went 2-7 as a starter and only scored 7 touchdowns for 1,259 passing yards. He finished four different contests with fewer than 55 passing yards.

But a better supporting team can change the math.

Fields went 4-2, leading the 2024 Pittsburgh Steelers. That roster was equipped to uplift a struggling passer. Reid must now scheme around those limitations and can turn them into his strength to make the best of an active and dominating player like him.

How the Chiefs can build a simple strategy around Justin Fields’ strengths

The offense must run the game. Kansas City added Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III after a struggling running season. Super Bowl MVP Walker brings the talent the team needs.

Although Walker averaged a sturdy 4.6 yards per attempt. He will carry the load, and Fields will share that rushing burden. Fields led the NFL in yards per rushing attempt in 2022.

Additionally, His legs are his powerful weapon.

Fields led all passers with his good speed of 21.23 mph. But throwing the ball requires caution. Fields is a below-average passer. He ranked 26th in true completion percentage and 27th in deep ball completion percentage in 2025. And for him, pressured situations were worse, ranking 29th in that category.

During his time with the Chicago Bears, Fields threw a total of 30 interceptions. Last year, under offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand, he threw just one.

Reid is designing the plays now. That matters immensely in the passing attack must stay short. And can quickly targets to Kansas City Chiefs' tight end Travis Kelce and wide receiver Rashee Rice are essential focuses for the team.

How do you think Reid is going to turn Fields' weak point into his dominance? Let us know in the comments!

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Written by

Shreya Mishra

Edited by

Kalp Thaker