New kickoff rule reportedly have Steelers considering using dynamic quarterback as kick returner

The NFL's latest rule change regarding kickoffs was aimed at making the play both more exciting and also safer after less than 20% of all kicks were returned last season.

Changing the alignment of both the kickoff and return units, and not allowing either side to move until the ball is fielded (or it hits the ground) inside the 20-yard line is sure to drive some interesting innovations from the league's special teams coordinators.

At least one of those special teams guys is considering using a quarterback to return those kicks.

New Steelers quarterback Justin Fields was a dual threat quarterback at Ohio State, and had limited success utilizing that skill set while leading the Bears the last few seasons as their starting quarterback after being a first-round draft pick.

Steelers running back Jaylen Warren was recently asked about being utilized on special teams, and let the cat out of the bag on the idea of Fields potentially playing a role as a return man.

The changes to the kickoff rule allowing for more space and limited high-impact have prompted Steelers special teams coordinator Danny Smith to ponder utilizing Fields to see if he can translate into a dynamic return guy.

Pittsburgh signing Fields came as somewhat as a surprise, as the organization signed the quarterback while he's still working on his rookie contract (and recently opted to not pick up his fifth-year option), taking a $3.2 million cap hit. The move came after they signed 13-year NFL veteran Russell Wilson to a one-year league minimum contract of $1.21 million while Denver is still on the hook to pay Wilson nearly $40 million this season.

Whether actually utilizing Fields as a return man happens or not, it's a great example of the innovation special teams coordinators are interested in exploring under the brand new rules.