Former Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer threw a jab at Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields in a recent interview when discussing his rocky relationship with general manager Ricky Spielman. Spielman supposedly wanted to trade up for Fields in the 2021 NFL Draft.
“The first round, [Spielman] tried to trade up for Justin Fields, who hasn’t done anything,” Zimmer said in an interview with The Minnesota Star Tribune.
Justin Fields was selected at 11th overall by the Chicago Bears in the 2021 NFL Draft, while the Minnesota Viking stayed at No. 23 at picked offensive tackle Christian Darrisaw.
It’s hard to disagree with Zimmer’s assessment that Fields ” hasn’t done anything,” as he definitely didn’t live up to the 11th overall selection by the Bears. However, it was a tumultuous situation in Chicago. He had two head coaches and three different offensive coordinators in his three years in the Windy City. It’s tough to develop and grow in a situation like that.
He also didn’t have a lot of weapons to work with in Chicago. He was throwing to the likes of Darnell Mooney, Chase Claypool and Equanimeous St. Brown for the most part. Tight end Cole Kmet was his best receiver before DJ Moore arrived in 2023.
Former Bears cornerback Davontae Harris defended Fields during an appearance on the Bring The Juice podcast in June. Harris was teammates with Fields in 2022, and he saw firsthand how it was a no-win situation for Fields.
“Justin’s one of the most down to Earth people in the world. The job was never not his. I think it’s a matter of what he makes it, and I’ve been around him. He’s gonna turn it into an opportunity,” Harris said. “(With the Steelers) he can be a star. Obviously, in Chicago he could too, but when I was in Chicago, they were playing to lose. When they’re playing to lose, it doesn’t matter what you do.”
Russell Wilson was named the Steelers quarterback last week, but Fields is expected to have a special package. Zimmer, who is now the defensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys, will face the Steelers in Week 5 at Acrisure Stadium. When given the chance, Fields will try to make Zimmer eat his words.
