Observations from minicamp circulated by The Athletic include notes that Fields has not been consistently crisp with his throws during early practice sessions. In the earlier workouts, several passes sailed high or off target, though he began to settle as practices progressed. In contrast, seventh-round rookie Garrett Nussmeier has looked more precise in the same drills, according to the same reporting.
Fields joins a Chiefs team with ample quarterback experience, having spent five seasons in the league with the Chicago Bears, Pittsburgh Steelers, and the Jets. The Chiefs acquired Fields in a trade with the Jets for a 2027 sixth-round pick, and he is slated to earn about $3 million this season. Head coach Andy Reid indicated that Fields would serve as the primary backup behind Patrick Mahomes, noting the veteran quarterback’s versatility in drop-back, movement, play-action, and screen-game concepts.
Minicamp practices, which were not padded, limited Fields from showcasing some of his best traits, particularly his speed and athleticism. Observers described the sessions as effectively passing-focused, which can constrain a quarterback’s ability to demonstrate mobility and improvisational skills.
Reid’s track record with dual-threat quarterbacks suggests a potential fit for Fields. The coach previously coached players who thrived in Reid’s system, including Michael Vick and Alex Smith, illustrating Reid’s capacity to optimize a quarterback’s varied skill set.
Garrett Nussmeier’s performance in college had drawn attention. He entered the 2025 season with Heisman frontrunner buzz and high expectations for a potential early NFL draft pick. Preseason projections from prominent analysts suggested the LSU signal-caller could be a top pick in the 2026 draft. Critics praised his poise, decision-making, and pocket presence, though his 2025 season was hampered by injuries, including persistent oblique and upper-body pain, with an eventual diagnosis of a spinal cyst that contributed to his declining play. Despite that setback, the Chiefs selected him in the seventh round, viewing him as a development piece with long-term upside.
Fields’ career trajectory has been a topic of debate. He entered the league as the 11th overall pick in 2021 with high hopes of becoming Chicago’s franchise quarterback. Over his first five seasons, he demonstrated impressive rushing capability—accumulating substantial rushing yards and touchdowns—but his passing production and completion percentage drew scrutiny. During his early NFL years, Fields posted a mix of promising athleticism and inconsistent passing numbers, with a completion rate around the mid-60s.
His 2024 stint in Pittsburgh provided another opportunity to start, but a return of a healthy starter led to Fields being benched. A subsequent move to the Jets came with a two-year, $40 million contract, signaling belief in his potential as a starter and future main option. Yet that tenure also included a mid-season benching due to subpar performance, and even vocal concerns from Jets owner Woody Johnson about the quarterback’s production.
With his starter’s role uncertain, Fields now seeks advancement under Reid’s guidance. At 27, he remains eligible for a future as a long-term backup or possibly a starter again, provided continued improvement and opportunity arise.
Meanwhile, Mahomes appears to be on track for a timely return, with early signs showing his involvement in minicamps and progress on ACL rehab suggesting a prepared restart for the season.
Looking ahead, Fields is likely entering the season as the Chiefs’ primary backup behind Mahomes, barring any unforeseen developments. Nussmeier’s early minicamp showing positions him as a compelling development project with the potential to push for more opportunities if his improvement continues and he demonstrates consistency in game-like settings.
Bottom line: Fields is at a crossroads, hoping to leverage Reid’s system to reset his NFL trajectory. If he continues to refine his accuracy and decision-making, he could carve out a stable backup role or even a future starting opportunity. Nussmeier, meanwhile, offers the Chiefs depth and a upside-filled development path that could influence the quarterback depth chart sooner than later. The early minicamp impressions highlight a competitive QB room in Kansas City, with Fields aiming to prove his value and Nussmeier proving he belongs in the conversation for more reps as the season approaches.
