Steelers Not Likely To Utilize Justin Fields In Any Special Offensive Packages

The Pittsburgh Steelers have an intriguing situation at the quarterback position. Even though Russell Wilson is confirmed to be the starting quarterback to begin the season, they still have a special player on the bench behind him. Justin Fields will be on the bench to back up Wilson in case anything happens. Fields is easily the more athletic player at this stage in his career, but Wilson has much more experience, and the Steelers built an offense that caters to Wilson's strengths. Fields will have to wait for his opportunity to show off the potential that resulted in him getting drafted in the first round. 

Fields was talked about as an option to be a return man for the new kickoff format, as his blazing speed could work well with the new system. While that could work in theory, the Steelers already signed Cordarrelle Patterson to be the return specialist. They also have Calvin Austin III and Quez Watkins fighting for the backup returner role. If Fields is truly an option for returns, he is low on the depth chart and likely will not see the field there.

The next option to get him involved is to use him as a gadget player. He could either be a wildcat quarterback, or they could use him in two-quarterback sets alongside Wilson. He could move around and line up at different positions like Taysom Hill or Kordell Stewart, and it could potentially add another dynamic to the offense. However, that doesn't seem to be the case either. 

Mark Kaboly made an appearance on 93.7 The Fan to talk about different topics, including Fields' potential versatility. He had no problem shutting down every possible way that Fields is anything but a true quarterback option for the Steelers.

"I don't think [they have special packages for Justin Fields]. Where is he good at? You'd think it would be red zone/goal line, but that's where Russell Wilson was good at last year... I just don't see where you take out Russell Wilson if he's in the midst of the game for a series, a gadget play. I think you're just opening a can of worms when you do something like that... There may be a play or two, but I wouldn't be expecting specialty packages."

Despite the significant speed difference between the two quarterbacks, there may not be a scenario where the Steelers feel comfortable about putting Fields in the game for a wildcat type of play. While Kaboly talks about the lack of specialty packages, he does not even acknowledge the idea of Fields lining up somewhere else. His whole conversation is about Fields replacing Wilson as a wildcat quarterback as opposed to lining up next to Wilson as running back or out wide as a receiver. 

Of course, the Steelers have those same gadget options for lining up as a running back or wide receiver. Patterson even started his career as a wide receiver before moving to running back, but neither him or Austin or Watkins are known to throw the ball in these odd packages. According to Kaboly, it seems if Fields wants to get in the game, he'll just have to outright prove that he is a better quarterback than Wilson.

It's always fun to see these trick plays and odd formations or personnel, but the Steelers may just stick with their bread and butter: power run with Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren with Wilson playing complementary football in the passing game. If it doesn't work, then Fields will be the starting quarterback as opposed to a gadget option from the bench. 

While the notion of the Steelers incorporating Fields into special offensive packages is undeniably thrilling, it doesn't seem to be on their agenda for the 2024 season, at least not at the moment. However, this stance may evolve as the offseason and season unfold.