In an interview that was just published on the “Not Just Football with Cam Heyward” podcast, running back Jaylen Warren of the Pittsburgh Steelers raised some eyebrows by speculating that the team’s quarterback, Justin Fields, would return kickoffs this autumn.
The subject was covered by Heyward, a veteran defensive lineman with the Steelers, in the most recent episode of his show.
Heyward clarified, “Let’s provide some context now,” according to Ross McCorkle of Steelers Depot. “He surprised us all when he stated that, but I saw it more as a joke. The podcast is entertaining. I believed he was just trying to make people laugh while we were at the draft party.”
Heyward informed the audience that Cordarrelle Patterson, a versatile offensive weapon and returner, was signed by Pittsburgh during the offseason.
“Let’s continue to slow the roll,” Heyward said. “It was enjoyable. The content was excellent. However, I don’t believe we’ll be doing that very soon.”
Fields was acquired by the Steelers in March from the Chicago Bears for a conditional sixth-round draft pick in 2025. Fields’ rookie contract had a fifth-year option that Pittsburgh ultimately chose not to exercise. As a result, the Steelers may cut Fields and experienced quarterback Russell Wilson as early as the next offseason.
Wilson appears to be the early favorite to start in Week 1, so it wasn’t the wackiest offseason concept associated with an NFL team for Pittsburgh special teams coordinator Danny Smith to give the quick Fields an opportunity to return a kick or two during spring training.
Heyward suggested that Smith is not too concerned about Warren’s remarks regarding Fields’ possible role with the 2024 Steelers.
“Danny has my phone number,” Heyward continued. “Danny, though, isn’t wasting that call because I’m going to say, ‘Ain’t nobody putting his a— back there,’ you know. Danny doesn’t care that Justin Fields is playing because he has all that bubble gum. He will chew his gum and instruct Cordarrelle Patterson to shoot.
Fields, 25, is the team’s newest quarterback if Wilson suffers any kind of setback between now and early September, even if Steelers coaches don’t see him as a long-term solution at quarterback.
During preseason games, fields should touch footballs frequently, but not as a part of a special teams unit.