Justin Fields' Potential Play Package as Patrick Mahomes' Backup Teased by Chiefs' Andy Reid

Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid didn't rule out drawing up some specially designed play packages for newly acquired quarterback Justin Fields.

Reid didn't want to put Fields into a box, calling him "more than a gadget guy." But he sounds willing to consider ways of playing to Fields' specific strengths.

The 2021 first-round pick is an insurance policy for Kansas City as Patrick Mahomes continues his recovery from a torn ACL. Mahomes is aiming to be healthy for Week 1, but he still has a long way to go in order to get there.

Even once the franchise star is healthy, having Fields could reinvigorate an offense that some considered to grow a bit stale in 2025 and perhaps before that. Reid has earned his reputation as an offensive guru, but football is always evolving tactically. Strategies that were effective a few years ago become less successful.

Perhaps there's a world in which Fields brings a slightly different dimension to Kansas City's attack, one that remains whether he's starting or serving as the backup. A few subtle tweaks by Reid and offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy could go a long way.

It's important to strike a balance between tailoring a scheme more to Fields' skill set and devising a gimmicky approach that's quickly countered by opposing defenses. Reid is one of the few coaches you'd trust to find that middle ground.