A video clip from Mel Kiper making a bold prediction on Justin Fields back in January has resurfaced. And let’s just say the longtime ESPN analyst was way, way off on this one.
Speaking on ESPN’s “First Draft” program back in January, Kiper and Field Yates were discussing the Bears’ options with the first overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Chicago obtained the selection via the Carolina Panthers, who gave up their first-round pick in 2024 as part of the move-up for Bryce Young a year ago.
Kiper then opined that the Bears could trade Fields to the Atlanta Falcons in exchange for the No. 8 selection, giving Chicago three picks in the top 10 (they also own the No. 9 selection):
Also Read: REPORT: Justin Fields Reveals He Didn’t Want To Get Traded To 4 NFL Teams
Of course, the Bears wound up receiving nothing close in return for Fields. Over the weekend, he was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers for a 2025 sixth-round pick that can become a fourth-rounder depending on Fields’ playing time.
Fields would have made sense for Atlanta if they lost out on the Kirk Cousins sweepstakes. But of course, the NFC South club secured the four-time Pro Bowler on a four-year pact worth a whopping $180 million.
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Justin Fields Teams Up With Russell Wilson
The Steelers’ acquisition of Fields came just days after the club landed veteran Russell Wilson on a one-year deal worth the veteran’s minimum. The deal was no issue for Wilson, who’s still getting paid $39 million by the Denver Broncos following his release from the AFC West franchise.
While Mike Tomlin has already informed Fields that Wilson will be the starting QB, this is nonetheless an ideal landing spot for the 2021 first-round pick. Fields had limited talent around him in Chicago, and the offensive line and defense in the Windy City left a lot to be desired.
But Fields will now get to work with a future Hall of Famer in Tomlin and a loaded Steelers team featuring a top-10 defense and a nice set of playmakers headlined by George Pickens and Najee Harris.
Also Read: REPORT: A Whopping 6 Teams Had Interest In Justin Fields Before He Was Traded To Steelers
