The Chiefs acquired Fields in a trade with New York, with the Gang Green agreeing to pay $7 million of the QB’s $10 million contract. The deal gives KC a veteran who can handle the offseason work as Mahomes rehabs from ACL and LCL injuries.
“I appreciate Justin and the way he’s handled everything so far,” Reid said this week. “He’s been great at everything. He’s a legitimate quarterback, a starter in the NFL, and we’re fortunate to have him here. If that’s the role he plays early in the season, we have every confidence he can do a great job with it.”
Ideally, Mahomes will be ready for Week 1, making Fields the latest backup trying to resurrect his career behind one of the best games. Taking most of the offseason work, however, gives the 27-year-old a chance to learn the offense if he has to open the season under center.
“I was excited about the new beginning, the tradition here, the culture here,” Fields said. “Whether I start or substitute, I’m going to attack [each day] in the same way. My goal is to get better, however I can. My mindset won’t change.”