Andy Reid Sees Justin Fields as Legit QB Option, Not Just a Gadget Player

Justin Fields is starting over his career at the Kansas City Chiefs and has a great opportunity to learn a few tips to improve his game from Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid.

Andy Reid Sees Justin Fields as Legit QB Option, Not Just a Gadget Player

Justin Fields (Image via IMAGO)

In Short
  • Andy Reid views Justin Fields as a legitimate backup quarterback, not just a gadget player.
  • Fields was traded to the Chiefs from the Jets for a sixth-round draft pick after struggling in New York.
  • He may have the opportunity to play in the preseason as Patrick Mahomes recovers from ACL surgery.

When the Kansas City Chiefs signed Justin Fields earlier this year, many thought that Andy Reid might use him in the same way the Pittsburgh Steelers did in 2024. After winning the starting quarterback’s job over Russell Wilson, Fields started the first few games and did quite well in offensive coordinator Arthur Smith‘s system. Fields rushed with the ball whenever he saw an opening and scored touchdowns.

However, Mike Tomlin wanted to try something different. Tomlin likes a big quarterback with a powerful arm capable of making deep throws. So that’s why Tomlin switched to Wilson. The Steelers won games, but the offense did not have the same fluency when Fields was starting under center. That does not mean Fields was not getting any chances. Smith sent Fields in whenever a chance to run the ball arose.

Andy Reid knows the areas Fields shines in, but the veteran head coach hinted he will treat the 27-year-old as a proper backup quarterback to Patrick Mahomes instead of using him as a package player.

[Justin Fields is] more than a gadget guy. That’s not how I’m looking at it. That’s not why we brought him in. We brought him in to play quarterback if he’s needed to play quarterback. And then whatever goes from there — if he gets bored, we’ll have a couple of things for him.

Andy Reid said (H/T: The Athletic)

After leaving the Steelers, Fields signed a two-year contract with the New York Jets, but he could not lock down the starting job. He was traded to the Chiefs for a sixth-round draft pick. According to Spotrac, the Jets will pay Fields $8 million, and the Chiefs will cover $3 million, bringing the total to $11 million for the 2026 NFL season.

Aaron Glenn blames himself for Justin Fields’ failures with the Jets

The Steelers waited a long time to decide who they were going to sign as their quarterback ahead of the 2025 season. Rumors linked them to Aaron Rodgers, who waited for an answer from the Vikings.

When the Vikings said no, Rodgers agreed to sign with the Steelers. Meanwhile, general manager Omar Khan was keeping in touch with Fields. Khan wanted the Ohio State alum to stay in Pittsburgh, but Field declined and signed with the Jets.

Andy Reid Sees Justin Fields as Legit QB Option, Not Just a Gadget Player
Justin Fields (Image via IMAGO)

Fields chose the Jets because new head coach Aaron Glenn believed in his abilities. It did take a long time for Glenn’s views about his quarterback to change. The Jets benched Fields twice in favor of veteran Tyrod Taylor and rookie Brady Cook. Fields finished the year with two wins and seven losses. He recorded 1259 yards, 7 touchdowns, and one interception on 128 completions while also rushing for 383 yards and 4 scores. Glenn blamed himself for the failed stint with the Jets during the annual NFL owners’ meeting.

I didn’t do enough to put [Justin] in a position to be successful. And I’m always going to say that, you know, that’s my job as the head coach. So I think he’s going to do well in Kansas City, I really do, because he’s a good person, for one, and he’s a good player. I think Andy Reid is going to do a good job with him.

Aaron Glenn said via SNY

Fields may get his chance to play for the Chiefs as early as the preseason, as Mahomes is still recovering from his ACL surgery. The Chiefs had a difficult year in 2025. They lost several hotly contested games by one-score margins. After Mahomes suffered an ACL tear, the Chiefs completely lost momentum. They finished 6-11, their first losing season since Mahomes became QB1.

The good news is that star tight end and future Hall of Famer Travis Kelce is returning for a 14th NFL season, and the league also acquitted wide receiver Rashee Rice of the domestic assault charges.

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