Justin Fields, the Steelers' New Kick Returner?

On April 25, the Pittsburgh Steelers acquired quarterback Justin Fields from the Chicago Bears in exchange for a conditional sixth-round draft pick. At the time, it appeared Fields would back up the newly signed Russel Wilson, though it now seems the Steelers may have a different plan in mind for the dual-threat quarterback.

On a recent appearance on Cam Heyward’s “Not Just Football” podcast, Steelers running back Jaylen Warren said that special teams coordinator Danny Smith has tossed around the idea of Fields returning kicks this upcoming season.

"Our special teams coordinator was talking about Justin Fields being back there. 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."

Last month, the Steelers signed the NFL's all-time leader in kickoff return touchdowns (and former Bear) Cordaralle Patterson to a two-year contract. It would appear that the kick returner position is solidified for Pittsburgh, but with the NFL's kickoff rule changes, teams are looking for new and creative ways to approach the play.

Fields is undoubtedly an exceptional runner. He's one of only three quarterbacks to rush for 1,000 yards in a single season (alongside Michael Vick and Lamar Jackson). His combination of size and speed made him a nightmare for many defenses while on the Bears.

Will Fields actually return kicks for the Steelers? Probably not. It's hard to imagine that Fields, who will be entering free agency next season after the Steelers declined his fifth-year option, would market himself as anything but a quarterback. Who knows though, coordinators love thinking outside the box, especially on special teams.