Steelers' Cameron Heyward comments on controversial Justin Fields idea

While speaking on a recently released edition of the "Not Just Football with Cam Heyward" podcast, Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren raised eyebrows when he suggested that quarterback Justin Fields could return kickoffs for the club this coming fall. 

Heyward, a longtime Steelers defensive lineman, addressed the topic on the latest episode of his program. 

"Let's provide some context now," Heyward explained, according to Ross McCorkle of Steelers Depot. "When he said that, he threw all of us for a loop, but I took it more as a joke. It's a fun podcast. We were at the draft party, and I thought he was just trying to get a rise out of everybody."

Heyward reminded listeners that Pittsburgh signed versatile offensive weapon and returner Cordarrelle Patterson this offseason. 

"Let's slow the roll," Heyward continued. "It was good fun. It was good content. But I don't think we're gonna be doing that anytime soon." 

The Steelers landed Fields from the Chicago Bears for a conditional 2025 sixth-round draft pick back in March. Pittsburgh eventually declined to pick up the fifth-year option attached to Fields' rookie contract, and the Steelers could move on from both Fields and veteran signal-caller Russell Wilson as soon as next offseason. 

Wilson seems to be the early favorite to win the Week 1 starting job, so Pittsburgh special teams coordinator Danny Smith giving the speedy Fields a chance to return a kick or two during springtime workouts wasn't the wackiest offseason idea linked with an NFL team. 

Heyward indicated that Smith is rather unbothered by what Warren said about Fields' potential role with the 2024 Steelers. 

"Danny's got my number," Heyward added. "But, Danny ain't wasting that call, 'cause you know I'm gonna say, 'Ain't nobody putting his a— back there.' Danny's got all that bubble gum and he is not worried about Justin Fields being on the field. He's gonna chew his bubble gum and tell Cordarrelle Patterson to go score."

Even if coaches within the Steelers don't view Fields as a long-term answer at quarterback, the 25-year-old will become the club's latest QB1 if Wilson experiences any type of setback between now and early September. 

Fields should touch footballs plenty of times during preseason games but not as part of a special teams unit.