Could former Ohio State QB Justin Fields return kicks for the Steelers?
Could the Pittsburgh Steelers have something up their sleeve with former Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields?
Fields, who was traded from the Chicago Bears in March for a conditional sixth-round pick, is expected to be the Steelers' backup quarterback in 2024. But during an appearance on Cameron Heyward's "Not Just Football" podcast, Steelers running back Jaylen Warren hinted as a possibility for Fields in special teams.
When Warren was asked about if he wanted to participate in kickoff returns with the new rules beginning in 2024, he said Danny Smith, the Steelers' special teams coordinator since 2013, pointed to Fields.
"Our special teams coordinator was talking about Justin Fields being back there," Warren said. "And we're like, 'Hold up, hold up...' We looked at him like, 'Justin Fields going to be back there?' You know, I don't know. I think it's cool."
More on Justin Fields: Former Ohio State QB Justin Fields traded from Chicago Bears to Pittsburgh Steelers
#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
In 2024, no players other than the kicker or the returners can move on kickoffs until the ball is fielded.
In three seasons with the Bears, Fields averaged 6.2 yards per rush, including an NFL-high 7.1 average in 2022.
Steelers not expected to pick up Justin Fields fifth-year option
Fields' tenure with the Steelers is expected to be brief.
On April 24, ESPN reported the Steelers are not expected to pick up Fields' fifth-year option worth $25 million. With it, the Steelers' top two quarterbacks — Fields and Russell Wilson — will be in the final year of their respective contracts.
"We've been very transparent about the pecking order, at least to start," Tomlin told reporters at the NFL league meetings in March. "I just think that provides clarity for all parties involved. Russell is a veteran, man. He's got a proven process of readiness. He's been in this league a long time. He's capable of rallying troops, receivers, tight ends, running backs, etc. He's just got a lot of experience in terms of what it takes to be the guy over the course of a 12-month calendar, and I just think that that's something that a younger guy like Justin could learn from."
Fields, who was selected by the Bears with the No. 11 overall pick of the 2021 draft, had 38 starts across three seasons. He has 6.674 passing yards, 40 touchdowns and 30 interceptions along with 14 rushing touchdowns.
In two seasons at Ohio State after transferring from Georgia, Fields had 5,373 passing yards, 63 touchdowns and 9 interceptions. He finished third in the 2019 Heisman Trophy voting.
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This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Will Justin Fields return kicks for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2024?
