With Patrick Mahomes still recovering, Justin Fields' Week 1 start could bring with it a journeyman milestone in 2026, according to an ESPN analyst.

“A Week 1 start by Justin Fields for Kansas City would make him the first player in NFL history to open the season as the starting quarterback for four different teams in four consecutive years,” As per ESPN analyst Rich Cimini.

Fields took the opening offensive snap for the Chicago Bears in 2023. Then, he started the opener for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2024 before serving as the primary quarterback option for the Jets last season.

Kansas City recently traded a 2027 sixth-round draft pick to the New York Jets to acquire him. The Chiefs will pay $3 million of his salary, and the Jets will cover the rest.

Fields' chances of adding to a record of over 9,000 passing yards with 52 touchdowns now rest entirely on the recovery of a surgically repaired knee.

The exchange provides immediate insurance while Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes rehabilitates a severe knee injury. He suffered a completely torn ACL and LCL last December against the Los Angeles Chargers.

Fields could be a reliable backup once Mahomes returns, helping the team maintain its dominance.

Will Justin Fields be able to fill in for Patrick Mahomes?

Although Fields has joined the Chiefs, his chance to start in Week 1 depends entirely on Mahomes' recovery timeline.

The 2023 season took a sharp turn for Justin Fields in Week 6. After dislocating his right thumb against the Minnesota Vikings, he was forced to step away, missing four straight games instead of playing through it.

In 2024, he lost his starting job at the Pittsburgh Steelers when quarterback Russell Wilson returned, and Fields was moved to the bench, starting only six games.

In the New York Jets, Fields started as QB1, but he lost his starting role to veteran Tyrod Taylor after losses, leading to the fewest games played (9) in his NFL career.

Right now, Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid must rebuild his playcalling scheme if the new QB is to take the first snap. This transition could help with Reid, known for creating QB-friendly systems where Fields might just thrive before Mahomes' return.

Do you think he will be able to take Mahomes' impact with the Chiefs uniform? Let us know!

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Written by

Shreya Mishra

Edited by

Aadesh Dhote