The Pittsburgh Steelers acquired both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields this offseason. If we’re to believe one speculated plan, Fields might have a different role with the team.
Steelers running back Jaylen Warren joined his teammate Cam Heyward on the Not Just Football podcast. Warren waxed poetically about Fields, and suggested that his special teams coach has deliberated putting FIelds back to return kicks with the new kickoff rules going into effect.
“Our special teams coordinator was talking about Justin Fields being back there,” Warren said via Pro Football Talk. “We looked at him like, Justin Fields will be back there? I think it’s cool.”
#Steelers RB Jaylen Warren says their special teams coordinator discussed the possibility of having Justin Fields return kicks under the new kickoff rules.
(via @NotJustFootball)pic.twitter.com/N4WGMwETxV
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) May 2, 2024
There are many unconventional ways to use quarterbacks, but this would certainly be among the most. It’s true Fields’ speed is an asset and he’s proven that in the past. It’s not exactly a drawback on him. Quite the opposite, you could argue.
But as a kick returner?
The Steelers will do what they do. They’ve been a successful organization in the past and continue to strive to be. The team did acquire Wilson and, even with how that all went, it’s likely he’ll be the starting quarterback. Fields could certainly still stand as the team’s backup. But, it appears there might be another way emerging. We’ll see how that shakes out.
[My Sports Update; Pro Football Talk]
