Jets' trade of Justin Fields to Chiefs is major steal for NFL Draft, cap reasons

This offseason has been a very busy one for the New York Jets. Aaron Glenn and Darren Mougey have been busy, landing a lot of key players on offense and defense.

But their biggest moves were the trade for Geno Smith to be their new quarterback and the deal ESPN's Adam Schefter reported is a trade of Justin Fields to the Kansas City Chiefs.

The trade details of this deal for the Jets are incredible for New York. Not only are they landing a 2027 sixth-round pick for Fields, but, as Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic notes, the financials of this deal are even better for the Jets.

Jets' trade of Justin Fields to Chiefs is major steal

"The Jets are paying all but $3M of Fields' $10M guaranteed salary - so they're actually saving more money on this deal than they would've by simply releasing him," Rosenblatt writes.

At the end of the day, the Jets are trading Fields to the Chiefs to be Patrick Mahomes' backup, and in the process of this deal, they're saving money and landing a draft pick.

A 2027 sixth-rounder in what's supposed to be a very strong draft class is a valuable asset. This deal isn't a late-round pick swap either, so the Jets are getting an extra pick instead of simply landing an improved pick.

But what makes it even better is that the Jets, instead of simply releasing Fields, are getting a better cap situation with the Chiefs taking on $3 million of Fields' $10 million that's guaranteed on his deal.

More: Geno Smith returning to Jets is ‘full circle’ moment for veteran QB

The Jets being able to trade Fields at all is a noteworthy development. He was a cut candidate, but having a team show enough interest to swing a trade is an incredible boon for the Jets.

Add on that the Jets are saving a bit more money, and also landing a decent draft pick in return, and this trade is a massive steal for the Jets.

Fields struggled mightily in New York, failing to reach 100 passing yards in four of his nine starts last season. While he only had one interception all year, he did lose three fumbles, and his passing upside held the offense back.

Being able to land anything in return for Fields is a big win for the Jets. But, to not only land a 2027 sixth-rounder, but also get some cap relief makes this a fantastic trade for Darren Mougey and the Jets.

More Jets news:

• Breece Hall breaks silence on franchise tag
• Aaron Glenn predicted to add three QBs to NFL roster this offseason
• Jets deny Aaron Glenn was asleep at NFL Combine
• Nahshon Wright agrees to $5.5 million deal with Jets in steal by Darren Mougey
• Jets get bad news as Jaguars don’t look poised to trade Brian Thomas Jr. despite trade rumors
• Jets traded for Geno Smith instead of signing him in free agency to avoid worst-case-scenario
• Jets predicted to draft David Bailey No. 2 overall after offseason spending