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Justin Fields, kick returner?
As unlikely as that sounds — and may prove to be — the idea has at least been floated in Pittsburgh, where the Bears traded their quarterback March 16.
On the “Not Just Football” podcast hosted by Steelers defensive lineman Cam Heyward last week, running back Jaylen Warren said special teams coordinator Danny Smith showed an interest in putting Fields deep for kickoffs.
“Our special teams coordinator was talking about Justin Fields being back there,” Warren said.
The interest stems from the NFL’s new kickoff, which has been designed to promote long returns, discourage touchbacks and minimize full-sprint contact between blockers and tacklers.