Russell Wilson, Jaylen Warren and Justin Fields (Via Yahoo Sports/Imago)

This offseason, the Pittsburgh Steelers made two big moves. First, they acquired the nine-time Pro Bowler Russell Wilson, followed by the exit of Kenny Pickett. Second, they inked Justin Fields through a trade with the Chicago Bears.

Now the Steelers are most likely to make veteran quarterback Wilson the starting QB for the 2024 season, which means Fields would have to hardly get the chance to step on the field. But with the adaption of the new kickoff rules, it appears the former Bears quarterback would have a high chance of playing.

In a recent appearance on Cam Heyward’s podcast, the Steelers running back Jaylen Warren revealed how the Steelers’ special teams coordinator Danny Smith has a potentially new role for the young quarterback. It appears Fields might be playing a returner as required in the new kickoff return rules.

Warren exclaimed while expressing his excitement to take part in the return game.

Our special teams coordinator was talking about Justin Fields being back there... We looked at him like, 'Justin Fields is about to be back there?'

Jaylen Warren said

So far now, Fields is likely to be competing with Wilson for the starting quarterback role in the training camp. However, if the franchise made him a returner, it might be quite exciting to watch him play, especially since his rushing ability is arguably known as his strongest suit.

Debate over Justin Fields’ position as potential returner

Despite what the Steelers RB revealed, it’s highly unlikely that the franchise will actually move forward with Fields as the returner. Not only because they already signed return specialist Cordarrelle Patterson in the offseason, but because it’s a high-risk move for a backup quarterback to play as a returner.

Until the decision is actually made, it remains a what-if scenario. However, Warren also discussed the sheer difference between the leadership of both the newly-signed quarterbacks, by calling it a “night-and-day difference.”
Justin Fields and Russell Wilson (Via IMAGO)
But as a whole, they both focus on the details as they tell the team how to run the route and what they preach. Warren shared that both the quarterbacks bring a lot to the table and it is helping a lot in the offense.