FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — The New York Jets traded quarterback Justin Fields to the Kansas City Chiefs for a 2027 sixth-round pick. The trade created a $20 million salary cap hit for the Jets in 2026.

The Jets absorbed most of Fields' $10 million contract guarantee in 2026 to facilitate the trade. Keeping Fields on the Jets roster in 2026 would have cost $23 million. The Jets are paying Fields $8 million to be the Kansas City Chiefs' backup for the 2026 season.

Justin Fields and Aaron Rodgers are generating a combined $48 million in dead cap charges for the Jets in 2026, representing about 16 percent of the team's salary cap space. The Jets will have $104 million in dead-money charges in 2026, the third-highest total in the NFL, according to Spotrac.

After trading Fields, the Jets need a veteran backup quarterback behind Geno Smith. The Jets are paying Smith $3.3 million for the 2026 season.

Carson Wentz and Andy Dalton were linked to the Jets' backup quarterback opening due to their ties to offensive coordinator Frank Reich. Carson Wentz signed a contract to return to the Minnesota Vikings. The Philadelphia Eagles acquired quarterback Andy Dalton in a trade.

Quarterback Cooper Rush, who is 32 years old, was recently released by the Baltimore Ravens. Quarterbacks Joe Flacco and Russell Wilson are available as free agents. Tyrod Taylor is a 36-year-old free agent with a history of injuries.

The Miami Dolphins have $99 million in dead cap charges for quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. The Arizona Cardinals have $54 million in dead cap charges for quarterback Kyler Murray.

The Jets rank 11th in team spending during the 2026 offseason, according to Spotrac. The Jets have more than $150 million in salary cap space for the 2027 season. The Jets hold three first-round picks in the 2027 NFL Draft.

Since 2025, general manager Darren Mougey has completed 12 player trades. The Kansas City Chiefs and the New York Jets are scheduled to play each other in Week 1 of the 2026 season in Kansas City. Justin Fields is one of seven quarterbacks since 1950 to start season openers for three different teams in three consecutive seasons.