As of March 16, 2026, quarterback Justin Fields has an opportunity to learn from Patrick Mahomes after being traded to the Kansas City Chiefs. Fields joins the team as a high-upside backup, while Mahomes recovers from a torn ACL. This potentially gives Fields a chance to start early in the season.
Four Key Practices Justin Fields Must Learn from Mahomes’ Evolution
Since Mahomes is rehabbing, Fields is expected to take the bulk of the first-team reps during the offseason programs and training camps. While the Chiefs are optimistic that Mahomes will be ready by Week 1, Fields serves as insurance. If Mahomes has any setbacks, Fields will likely start in 2026.
There are four key practices Justin Fields must learn from the Chiefs’ kingdom to improve his game, if he is looking to start.
Master “Taking What the Defense Gives”
Mahomes has evolved from a pure deep-ball ‘gunslinger’ into a patient distributor who excels at the short passing game. Fields has often been criticized for holding the ball too long and passing open checkdowns in favor of searching for big plays. Mahomes now prioritizes efficiency, using short passes and intermediate routes to sustain long scoring drives.
Improve Processing Speed and Defensive Recognition
Mahomes has been praised for this 360-degree view of the entire football field. It allows him to track defenders and find open receivers with the highest degree of field vision in football. Critics have highlighted Justin Fields’ inability to use that same field vision.
He often hesitates for a split second before throwing, which has led to multiple sacks. Fields can study how Mahomes uses pre-snap processing to diagnose defenses. Also, it allows him to make decisive, anticipatory throws before the pocket collapses around him.
Redefine Off-Platform Mechanics
While both Patrick Mahomes and Justin Fields are elite athletes, Mahomes’ mechanics are uniquely fluid. This allows him to throw accurately from the arm angle of body position. Analysts have noted a ‘hitch’ in Fields’ throwing motion, and he tends to use only his arm rather than his whole body.
This can lead to inconsistency on short routes. Fields has already expressed admiration for Mahomes’ ability to ‘pop’ the ball up while scrambling. Learning from Mahomes, he could improve his accuracy while being on the move.
Pocket Navigation vs. Scrambling
Mahomes is considered one of the best navigators in the pocket. Using a sixth sense, he can juke defenders out while keeping his eyes down the field. Fields sometimes runs himself into pressure or fails to find clean launch points within the pocket.
Mahomes’ ability to slither out of collapsing spaces rather than just relying on raw speed is a skill Fields can emulate to reduce his high sack rate.