The Pittsburgh Steelers will head into the 2024 season with Russell Wilson and Justin Fields listed on their quarterback depth chart.
Oh, and Kenny Pickett is now across the state with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Imagine saying that a year ago this time???
While Wilson is expected to win the starting quarterback job, Fields figures to play some sort of role this coming season.
Shockingly, one of those roles is rumored to be kickoff returner…
Of course, it’s not every day that a team sends a quarterback out on special teams to return kicks, but I suppose crazier things have happened. (Or have they?)
Unfortunately, Fields himself has poured a bit of cold water on the fascinating rumor.
“Nah, I think everybody kind of interpreted it wrong,” Fields stated. “Coach Danny (Smith) was basically just trying to send a message that no matter who you are, you could be on special teams. He just used that as an example.”
Fields clarified that while Smith did mention it during a team meeting, he couldn’t help but smirk, given his lack of experience in special teams since his middle school days.
“It’s funny how serious social media takes everything,” Fields remarked. “It was kind of funny to me when everybody was making a big deal about it for no reason.”
Amidst speculation about whether Fields might be downplaying the idea to catch opponents off-guard, the quarterback left the door slightly ajar, hinting at the possibility without confirming anything definitively.
“Hey, you never know,” he teased. “(Smith) might cook something up … We’ll see what happens.”
However, Fields swiftly redirected the conversation towards his primary focus: mastering Arthur Smith’s offense competition with Wilson for the starting quarterback position.
“Nah, I’m not here to do that,” Fields emphasized regarding special teams. “It was kind of a joke, to be honest with you.”
Both Fields and Wilson are in somewhat similar positions.
While Wilson is far more accomplished in his career, both are trying to resurrect themselves and prove they are capable of playing quarterback at an elite level.
We’ve certainly seen Wilson do that in the past. However, Fields has struggled mightily with consistency since entering the league out of Ohio State.
Drafted in the first-round of the 2021 NFL Draft, Fields’ first three seasons in Chicago didn’t go according to plan.
While he flashed promise at times, he was often criticized for his inaccuracy and slow processing of defenses.
He finished his Bears tenure with 6,674 passing yards, 40 touchdowns and 30 interceptions.
Impressively, he added 2,220 rushing yards and 14 scores on the ground.
His special running ability is what has led some people to think that he’d actually make for a dangerous kick returner in the league.
What are your thoughts on the quarterback battle between Wilson and Fields?
As for the whole kick returner craziness – should the Steelers actually be open to it?
Sure, it most likely will never happen – but do you think Fields would be one of the most dangerous returners in the league if given a fair chance?
In the bigger picture, what are your expectations for the Steelers heading into the new season???