The Kansas City Chiefs addressed an underrated roster need by acquiring quarterback Justin Fields in a trade from the New York Jets.

Fields is a former first-round draft pick who is looking to get another shot at being a team’s franchise quarterback. Although he’s obviously not going to be that in Kansas City, he is entering a unique situation with the Chiefs which could help get him there.

With starter Patrick Mahomes still relatively early in his rehab from the torn ACL he sustained in Week 15 of the 2025 season, Fields should get the bulk of offseason snaps at quarterback. That includes OTAs, minicamp, training camp, and preseason games. However, even when Mahomes returns and takes back over, that doesn’t necessarily mean the end Fields’ contributions.

Kansas City Chiefs HC Andy Reid Could Utilize Justin Fields as He Did With Michael Vick Years Ago

GettyRetired QB Michael Vick

Reid has had a lot of success with mobile quarterbacks throughout his career, with guys like Vick, Donovan McNabb, Alex Smith, and even Mahomes to a degree. Jared Feinberg of Sports Illustrated believes that trend will continue with Fields, particularly in comparison to Vick.

“There is a lot to like here with Fields pairing with the Chiefs and head coach Andy Reid and offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy. First, this is similar to how Michael Vick and Reid were paired after he returned for his second tenure in the NFL. You could see Reid dig deep into past playbooks from his days with the Philadelphia Eagles to find creativity for the offense with Fields under center.”

In Vick’s first season with the Eagles in 2009, Reid had specific situational plays for him both as a runner and passer. In 12 game appearances, Vick completed 6-13 passes for 86 yards and one touchdown. He also added 95 rushing yards on 24 carries and two touchdowns. Keep in mind that Vick was readjusting to playing after two years off due to a suspension.

Could Reid use Fields similarly for the Chiefs in 2026? Fields is the most athletic quarterback that Reid has had since Vick. In 2022 Fields broke Vick’s record for the most rushing yards in a regular season game by a quarterback with 178. Also like Vick, Fields has a very strong arm, and has a solid 52-touchdown-to-32-interception career ratio.

Chiefs’ Addition of Justin Fields Could Mean Return of Designed QB Runs

GettyQB Justin Fields

Mahomes is no stranger to pulling the ball down and running, but it is rarely by design. Because of the lack of a quality rushing attack, Mahomes rushed for a career high 422 yards and five touchdowns in 2025. SI’s Feinberg went on to say that Fields can take that pressure off of Mahomes, while adding another dangerous element to Kansas City’s offense.

“One idea that could come of the Fields trade is that Reid works in more quarterback sneaks to generate more opportunities in short-yard situations. Who cares if it could seem obvious if Fields subs out with Mahomes later in the season on a critical fourth-and-one in the high red zone down two points against the Denver Broncos? The Fields dynamic changes how the Chiefs could approach their offense in 2026.”

Mahomes has not attempted a quarterback sneak since he injured his knee executing one in 2019. However, that play could be back on the table with the 6-foot-3, 227 pound Fields. Beyond that could be plays such as quarterback draws and RPOs featuring Fields. While you don’t want to take the ball out of Mahomes’ hands too often, Reid can make Fields into a situational weapon that defenses have to honor.