Steelers Are Pressed to Sign Former $33 Million Quarterback

When the free agency period opens in March, the Pittsburgh Steelers may be interested in a quarterback. Although the team might benefit from an upgrade behind center, the Steelers are more likely to look for signal callers who can rival former first-round pick Kenny Pickett rather than take his spot. Baker Mayfield, a seasoned quarterback, might be the perfect fit for that position.

Gordon McGuinness of Pro Football Focus identified Mayfield as the only free agent the Steelers ought to sign in the next offseason.

Though McGuinness wrote, “it feels very likely that Mayfield will stay with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Steelers should be the first team to pick up the phone on the off chance that he does hit free agency.” “Mayfield is back to the level of his second and third seasons with the Cleveland Browns, earning a 74.6 PFF grade with 25 big-time throws and 24 turnover-worthy plays in the 2023 regular season, even though he hasn’t lived up to the billing of being a former No. 1 overall pick.”

In the 2018 NFL Draft, Mayfield was chosen first overall by the Cleveland Browns. Before his rookie season, he inked a four-year contract worth roughly $32.7 million as the number one pick.

In 2023, Mayfield handed off 4,044 passing yards, 28 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions to lead the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to a 9-8 record.

Reasons Baker Mayfield Might Be a Good Fit for the Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers could consider Kirk Cousins as a backup, as multiple NFL analysts have linked Pittsburgh to veteran Russell Wilson. This was mentioned by ESPN’s Marcus Spears.

However, the Steelers wouldn’t be better off with those quarterbacks unless they were prepared to let go of Pickett. According to what head coach Mike Tomlin stated at his press conference following the season, that is not the organization’s current plan.

On January 18, Tomlin told reporters, “I’m excited about continuing to work with him and appreciative of his efforts and where he is.” “He will undoubtedly face challenges in the future from a competitive standpoint.”

“Competition brings the best out of each of us.”

Cousins and Wilson wouldn’t be competing. They’d make Pickett the clear backup.

Mayfield performed like a starter near the end of 2023, but it was by far his best stretch in years. Depending on the type of deal he gets in free agency, he may still have to compete to be a starter in 2024.

However, unlike the majority of the other free agent quarterbacks available, Mayfield could be an upgrade over Pickett if he lives up to his potential, as he did in the playoffs.

Mayfield threw for 686 yards in two playoff games this season.

Mayfield Returning to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers?
The 28-year-old is an intriguing prospect for the Steelers. But the question is whether he’ll be available.

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler predicted that he would not be. Fowler predicted on January 24 that the Buccaneers would re-sign Mayfield.

“I’m not sure it makes sense to go after someone else like Russell Wilson or Justin Fields when I don’t think that’s a significant upgrade,” an NFC personnel evaluator told Fowler. Mayfield isn’t perfect, but he can help you win games. He’s inconsistent, but when he gets going, he can produce like a top-10 player.”

Mayfield’s career record as an NFL starter is 40-46. He has completed 61.9% of his passes and averaged 7.2 yards per attempt, totaling 130 touchdowns and 74 interceptions.

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler predicted that he would not be. Fowler predicted on January 24 that the Buccaneers would re-sign Mayfield.