Steelers could ‘get a little weird’ with usage of Justin Fields, says insider

The popular belief surrounding the Pittsburgh Steelers is that Russell Wilson will be the team's starting quarterback for the 2024 season. Barring something unforeseen, it would be a surprise if Wilson weren't under center in Week 1.

Assuming that's the case, it poses the next big question: what happens to the high-upside 25-year-old backup in Justin Fields? While Fields was expected to be traded by the Chicago Bears this offseason following the team's interest in No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams, Pittsburgh acquiring him via trade was slightly surprising after adding Wilson.

But the Steelers are apparently ready to "get a little weird" with how they use Fields, as ESPN's Jeremy Fowler detailed Sunday on SportsCenter.

"I've talked to multiple teams now who expect the Pittsburgh Steelers to get a little weird at the goal line with Justin Fields, maybe have a package or two for him ready to go where he can be a runner or a thrower out of the shotgun," Fowler said, according to Bleacher Report's Scott Polacek.

It's an interesting concept and not one that's all that surprising considering Fields' upside as a runner. Fowler also pointed out that new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith used Derrick Henry in that fashion while with the Tennessee Titans.

"Remember, offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, when he was with the Tennessee Titans, used Derrick Henry in that way as a runner and thrower out of the shotgun," Fowler said, per Polacek. "So, Fields with his quarterback background can certainly handle that."

Fields played in 13 games last season for the Bears and put together a solid season overall, throwing for 2,562 yards with 16 touchdown passes and nine interceptions. But from a running standpoint, he's had success in all three years in the NFL, with his best season coming in 2022 when he rushed for 1,143 yards and eight touchdowns. 

Over 40 career NFL games, Fields has amassed 2,220 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns.