Can the Chiefs New 27-Year-Old Quarterback Revive His Career in 2026?
When Justin Fields was drafted out of Ohio State as the 11th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears, there was an exuberance in the Windy City; an ecstatic collective sigh of relief. The Bears are the only team in the NFL to never have a quarterback throw for 4,000 yards in a season, a stunning statistic. Jim McMahon is arguably the most recognizable quarterback in franchise history, but that reputation stems more from his personality and role on the 1985 Super Bowl team than his production. Jay Cutler is remembered but largely unremarkable, while Sid Luckman, who led the Bears to four championships in the 1940s, remains the most accomplished quarterback in team history. In that context, Fields was viewed as a potential catalyst for sustained success not seen since the WWII era. That belief fueled both the excitement and the eventual disappointment.
Fields’ accomplishments at Ohio State were remarkable. He set multiple school records, including a 181.4 passer efficiency rating in 2019 and a 70.2% completion percentage in 2020. He also holds the record for consecutive completions with 16 and was named MVP of the 2020 Sugar Bowl. As a Heisman Trophy finalist, Fields was widely viewed as a first-round talent with all the tools to succeed at the next level. Chicago believed in him enough to trade up from the 20th pick to the 11th to secure him. The organization clearly saw franchise-altering potential, but like many quarterbacks before him in Chicago, the results did not match expectations. His tenure ultimately ended with stops in Pittsburgh and New York before landing in Kansas City.
In Chicago, Fields often played reactively rather than proactively, suggesting either difficulty reading defenses or hesitation in decision-making. He frequently missed open receivers downfield and held onto the ball too long, leading to 135 sacks and 30 interceptions over three seasons. Each of his seasons as the starting quarterback resulted in a losing record. Still, he produced 6,674 passing yards and 2,220 rushing yards, totaling 8,894 yards and 54 touchdowns. Those numbers are respectable, especially considering he played under two head coaches and three offensive coordinators, a level of instability that likely impacted his development. In 2024, Chicago traded Fields to the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he began the season as a backup to Russell Wilson. He led the team to a 4-2 record while Wilson was on injured reserve, but was later benched upon Wilson’s return. The Steelers finished 10-7 but were eliminated in the playoffs. Fields was then traded to the New York Jets, where he split time with Tyrod Taylor during a three-win season in 2025. In 2026, he found himself on the move once again, this time landing in Kansas City.
The quarterbacks Andy Reid has coached are a who’s who: Donovan McNabb, Brett Favre, Michael Vick, Jeff Garcia, Alex Smith, and Patrick Mahomes. What better place for Fields’ obvious potential to take wing? At just 27 years old, the prestigious Ohio alum has plenty more to contribute to the league and now has the opportunity to learn from a dynasty. Coach Reid is known as a quarterback whisperer. Can he get out of Fields what Chicago couldn’t? If Fields’ 8,894 yards for 54 touchdowns in Chicago is any indication, while fresh out of college and playing for a team in disarray, Reid can definitely get the most out of the Heisman candidate. At Arrowhead, Fields is in the company of multiple Hall of Famers who will impart on him a championship knowledge he hasn’t had before. He will be in the tutelage of Mahomes, who is already listed among the pantheon of great quarterbacks. This is the moment for Fields, The moment Pittsburgh wished it hadn’t benched him for Russell Wilson.
