Former Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields is no longer playing in the Windy City, but that doesn't mean we can't root for him to succeed with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Rumors have swirled about what Fields' role with the Steelers will look like. One in particular is that he was returning kicks during practice in May, per NFL dot com. It's a rarity to see a starting-caliber quarterback switch to a new position in the NFL. Instead of fighting this opportunity, Fields should embrace it.
An ideal role for Fields with his new team would be as a Swiss army knife. Think Taysom Hill on the New Orleans Saints. He's filled this role for years. A dual threat quarterback at BYU, Hill backed up Saints legend Drew Brees. Due to his athleticism, the Saints switched him to a wildcat quarterback and special teams player.
It's not unusual to see Hill run, catch and throw the ball during a game. In the Saints' 38-27 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars, Hill tallied nine rushes for 63 yards and two touchdowns, caught a nine-yard reception, and completed a pass for 44 yards, per Pro Football Reference. Imagine that level of versatility on the Steeler's offense with Fields coming to town and accepting this role.
Fields' new role with the Steelers might be out of necessity. Last season, the Steelers' offense struggled mightily to move the ball down the field. It led to them firing offensive coordinator midway through the season. It was the first time the Steelers fired a coach during a season since 1941, per NFL Insider Adam Schefter. A boost is needed and Fields can provide it.
Arthur Smith, the Steelers new offensive coordinator, has a knack for getting creative with his players. Through his three-year tenure as the Atlanta Falcons head coach, Smith utilized Cordarrelle Patterson as a runner and receiver. He typically lined Patterson up as an H-back to create mismatches and help him get open. Not exactly a Taysom Hill-type role, but it shows Smith isn't afraid to get the most out of his players--even if it's unique.
With Russel Wilson as the de facto starter for the Steelers, the Steelers may need to get creative on offense thanks to Wilson's regression. Wilson burnt out with the Denver Broncos after two seasons and isn't the same player he once was.
By using Fields as a Swiss army knife, the Steelers can take pressure off Wilson and design plays for Fields, such as a quarterback draw or Run-Pass Option (RPO) that plays. Perhaps the Steelers create a formation in their playbook for Fields, such as the wildcat or pistol.
Regardless of what Fields becomes with the Steelers, Bears fans will be rooting for him. Even though he left the Bears with a 10-28 record as a starter, there was no denying Fields' love for the game.