Justin Fields was traded from the Chicago Bears to the Pittsburgh Steelers in the offseason. Their special teams coordinator apparently has his own ideas on how he wants to use the quarterback

Will Justin Fields soon be taking on a whole new role in the NFL? The quarterback, who was traded from the Chicago Bears to the Pittsburgh Steelers in the offseason, could possibly start as a returner in the new season.

At least that’s what running back Jaylen Warren told special teams coordinator Danny Smith. In a special edition of Cam Heyward’s “Not Just Football” podcast, Warren said that Smith had at least expressed the idea of using Fields as a returner under the new kickoff rules.

In March, the NFL decided to completely overhaul kickoffs in order to minimize the risk of injury and make returns more attractive. The most significant change is the rule that – apart from the kicker – all other players may only move once the returner has touched the ball.

As the two teams will also be closer together in future, the impact speed of the players will be significantly reduced. This should at least significantly reduce concussions and other injuries. Previously, an NFL rule change had meant that kickoff returns were virtually no longer carried out.

Now a significant increase in returns is expected, which also increases the relevance of the sequence for the game. The teams also incorporated the adjustments into their draft strategy

Justin Fields as a returner for the Steelers?

“I think it’s pretty good,” Warren told Heyward when asked what he thought of the new kickoff rules. “Once you touch the ball, it all starts,” he added.

He continued, “Our special teams coordinator was talking about Justin Fields being in. We said, ‘Wait a minute, wait a minute. We looked at him and said, ‘Justin Fields is going to be in?’ I don’t know. I think it’s cool. “

It remains to be seen whether Fields will actually line up as a returner. However, he is known for his athleticism and strong running game – ingredients that a returner must have.

First, however, he will fight for the position of starter at his actual position. His intra-team rival in this endeavor will be Russell Wilson, who is also new to Pittsburgh.