There is already tension between Steelers coaches and Justin Fields.
In April of this year, the Bears dealt Justin Fields to the Pittsburgh Steelers in exchange for a conditional sixth-round pick, effectively ending his time in Chicago. Under the leadership of No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams, the Bears are in a lot better scenario. The fan base is still quite interested in learning what Fields’ future holds, though.
At this point, it’s unknown if Fields will start for Pittsburgh. The Steelers have been looking for alternative methods to give Fields more playing time because it’s currently expected that Russell Wilson will start the season as the starting quarterback. Among those methods might have been to use him as a kick returner. According to reports, Steelers special teams coach Danny Smith suggested that Fields play return man because of the new kickoff rules’ emphasis on returns.
At last, Fields addressed that notion, denying that he would ever be employed as a return man on special teams. Steelers’ Justin Fields Refuses to Return Kickoffs
Fields termed the whole thing a misreading, saying it was largely a joke that was taken too seriously, in an interview with the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette earlier this week. “No, that’s not what I’m here for. To be honest with you, it was something of a joke. Basically, all Coach Danny was attempting to convey was that anyone may find themselves on special teams. He merely cited that as an illustration.”
This was never likely to happen. It is very rare that you will have your backup quarterback return kicks. Even with the new kickoff regulations, teams would be extremely wary to put a young quarterback in that scenario. Fields is a dangerous player when he has the ball in his hands, but having him return kicks would put him in too much danger, particularly because Cordarrelle Patterson is already a member of the squad.
Even now, it’s fascinating to watch Fields strongly argue with the coaching staff. He could have made a statement expressing his readiness to assist with any task the team needed him to perform. Rather, he demonstrated an outright resistance to taking on a different position for his new squad, which may not be the best way to begin the remainder of his career.