The Kansas Chiefs had a challenging 2025-26 campaign, ceding control of the AFC West to the Denver Broncos and failing to make the playoffs for the first time in the Patrick Mahomes era.

Mahomes, who went down with an ACL injury late in the season, has uncertainty surrounding his status for the start of the 2026 season as he works his way through rehab. The Chiefs added veteran Justin Fields in the offseason, and Fields figures to be the starter to begin the season if Mahomes isn’t medically cleared.

The picture behind Fields on the depth chart has yet to be finalized, but it is rounding into shape, as the Chiefs announced the waiving of one of the other quarterbacks in the room on Monday.

We have signed Free Agents WR Xavier Loyd, DB Marlen Sewell, T Kahlil Benson.

We have waived QB Jake Haener, DE Ethan Hurkett, and DT Zacch Pickens. pic.twitter.com/38vAhkR6gQ

— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) May 4, 2026

Excited for the Opportunity

Fields spoke earlier in the offseason about the opportunity in front of him in Kansas City.

“I wanted to come here because of the [Chiefs’] culture, because of Pat and to learn from him and Coach [Andy] Reid,” Fields said after signing with the franchise, via ESPN. “Just the winning, to be honest.

“We of course knew of each other, but we really didn’t communicate before coming here. I’m excited to learn from [Mahomes]. I’m already kind of picking his brain a little bit and just observing how he goes about things in the meeting rooms, field and stuff like that. I’m excited, of course, to work with Coach Reid and [offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy] and all the guys on offense.”

Fields is well aware he doesn’t figure to be the long-term starter.

“I was excited for a new start, the tradition here, the culture here,” Fields said. “Regardless of me starting or being a backup, I’m going to attack [each day] the same way. My goal is to get better, any way I can. My mindset doesn’t change.”