The Pittsburgh Steelers shocked many by acquiring quarterback Justin Fields from the Chicago Bears in the offseason to add to their arsenal alongside Russell Wilson and USC quarterback Caleb Williams. Despite the initial speculation that Fields would back up Wilson, there are rumors that the team is considering using him in different ways. Running back Jaylen Warren mentioned on a podcast that the Steelers are contemplating using Fields as a kick returner in light of new kickoff rules that prevent players from moving until the ball is touched. Fields’ exceptional running ability, similar to that of Michael Vick and Lamar Jackson, could make him a valuable asset in this new role, although the team already has Cordarelle Patterson, an experienced kick returner, on the roster.
The idea of using Fields as a kick returner raises questions about how his unique skill set as a dual-threat quarterback would translate to this role, as run-pass options and designed quarterback runs are vastly different from the responsibilities of a kick returner. Given that Fields is known for his running ability, the Steelers may be looking to capitalize on this talent in new ways but also have experienced options like Cordarelle Patterson available for the role. It will be interesting to see how this strategy plays out during upcoming OTAs, where the team’s plans for Fields as a kick returner may become clearer.
Fields’ running abilities as a quarterback have already set him apart from others, as he is only one of three quarterbacks in NFL history to rush for 1,000 yards in a single season, putting him in the same category as legends like Michael Vick and Lamar Jackson. Despite his success as a rushing quarterback, transitioning to a kick returner role presents a new challenge for Fields. While the Steelers seem keen on utilizing his talents in different ways, there are still uncertainties about how effective he will be in this new position and how it will impact his overall role within the team.
The Steelers’ decision to potentially use Fields as a kick returner showcases their commitment to maximizing his talents and finding creative ways to incorporate him into their game plan. As the team prepares for the upcoming season with Fields alongside established quarterbacks like Russell Wilson, the Steelers are exploring innovative strategies to utilize their diverse quarterback options effectively. Whether Fields will excel in this new role remains to be seen, but the team’s willingness to experiment with his skills demonstrates their confidence in his abilities and their desire to make the most of his versatility on the field.
As the Steelers gear up for OTAs later in the month, the focus will shift to how they integrate Fields into their lineup and experiment with different tactics to optimize his impact on the team. The potential use of Fields as a kick returner is just one example of the innovative approaches that the Steelers are considering as they navigate a roster filled with talented quarterbacks. With his exceptional running abilities and track record as a dual-threat quarterback, Fields offers a unique skill set that could prove valuable in various roles on the team. The upcoming offseason program will provide more insight into how the Steelers plan to utilize Fields and the extent to which they are willing to think outside the box to leverage his talents.
