Photo: Getty Images
The Pittsburgh Steelers are contemplating using quarterback Justin Fields as a return specialist, according to running back Jaylen Warren.
Warren appeared on teammate Cam Heyward's Not Just Football podcast from the Steelers' draft party this past weekend and said that special teams coordinator Danny Smith suggested that Fields, 25, could possibly return kickoffs with the new rule prohibiting players from moving until the returner touches the football.
"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," Warren said while discussing the rule change via ESPN.
Fields was acquired by the Steelers in exchange for a conditional sixth-round pick that can become a fourth-round pick, a source with knowledge of the situation confirmed to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport on March 16. The trade came days after the Steelers signed veteran quarterback Russell Wilson and released 2022 former first-round pick Kenny Pickett.
Wilson, 35, who signed a one-year deal earlier this offseason, is reportedly expected to be the Steelers' starting quarterback with Fields serving as his backup, a team source confirmed to ESPN Steelers beat reporter Brooke Pryor.
Fields was selected by the Bears at No. 11 overall in the 2021 Draft and went 10-28 in 38 starts and threw for 6,674 yards, 40 touchdowns and 30 interceptions on 578 of 958 passing, while recording 2,220 yards and 14 touchdowns on 356 rushing attempts during his three seasons in Chicago. The trade cleared the way for the Bears to use the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft on former USC quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams in April.