Steelers envisioning unconventional role for QB Justin Fields in 2024?

The Pittsburgh Steelers swung a trade for Justin Fields earlier this offseason, but they signed Russell Wilson in free agency before acquiring Fields.

That means Fields will be entering 2024 as the Steelers’ backup quarterback, and he will likely stay as QB2 on the depth chart barring an injury or poor performance by Wilson.

But could Pittsburgh have other plans for Fields?

During a recent appearance on the Not Just Football podcast with Steelers defensive lineman Cam Heyward, running back Jaylen Warren has revealed that team could be planning on using Fields as a kick returner.

“Our special teams coordinator was talking about Justin Fields being back there,” Warren said. “We’re like, ‘Hold up, hold up.’ We looked at him like, ‘Justin Fields is about to be back there?’ I don’t know. I think it’s cool.”

Warren aid that Pittsburgh may be considering using Fields as a special teamer as a result of the NFL’s new kickoff rules, where players are no longer allowed to move until the returner touches the ball.

“I think it’s pretty good,” Warren said of the rules. “As soon as you touch the ball, that’s when everything starts to happen.”

But even with the new rules, the Steelers would still be putting Fields in harm’s way, as he would have to be tackled by opposing defenders regardless.

You can understand why Fields’ skillset may tempt the coaching staff to use him on kickoffs. Fields is incredibly athletic, as evidenced by the fact that he racked up 1,134 rushing yards in 2022.

However, if Pittsburgh truly views him as its quarterback of the future, it should probably limit physical contact for him as much as possible.

We’ll see if the Steelers actually employ Justin Fields as a returner in 2024. It seems highly unlikely.