The Pittsburgh Steelers may be in the quarterback market when free agency begins in March. While the Steelers could need an upgrade behind center, they are more likely to look for signal callers who will compete with, rather than replace, former first-round pick Kenny Pickett. Baker Mayfield, an experienced quarterback, may be a great fit for that post.
Gordon McGuinness of Pro Football Focus listed Mayfield as the one free agent the Steelers should pursue this offseason.
“It feels very likely that Mayfield will stick around with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but on the off chance that he does hit free agency, the Steelers should be the first team to pick up the phone,” McGuinness said in an email. “While Mayfield hasn’t lived up to the billing of being a former No. 1 overall pick, he is back at 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.”
The Cleveland Browns took Mayfield first overall in the 2018 NFL draft. As the first overall choice, he got a four-year contract worth approximately $32.7 million prior to his rookie season.
Mayfield led the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to a 9-8 record in 2023, totaling 4,044 passing yards, 28 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions.
Why Baker Mayfield Might Fit With The Pittsburgh Steelers
ESPN’s Marcus Spears suggested Kirk Cousins as a candidate for the Steelers, while several NFL commentators linked Pittsburgh to fellow veteran Russell Wilson.
However, those quarterbacks make no sense for the Steelers unless they are willing to move on from Pickett. According to head coach Mike Tomlin’s postseason press conference, it is not the organization’s current intention.
“I’m appreciative of his efforts and where he is, and I’m excited about continuing to work with him,” Tomlin told reporters on January 18. However, he will undoubtedly have opposition in the future.
“Competition brings the best out in all of us.”
Cousins and Wilson wouldn’t be competing. They’d make Pickett the clear backup.
Mayfield performed like a starter toward
Mayfield performed like a starter near the end of 2023, but it was by far his best run 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.
“Competition brings the best out in all 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 run in years. Depending on the type of deal he gets in free agency, he may still have to compete to stay a starter in 2024.
However, unlike the majority of the other free agency quarterbacks available, Mayfield may be an upgrade over Pickett if he lives up to his promise, like he did in the playoffs.
Mayfield passed for 686 yards in two postseason games this season.
Will Mayfield return 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’m not sure that’s a substantial upgrade,” an NFC personnel evaluator told Fowler. Mayfield isn’t flawless, 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 throws and averaged 7.2 yards per attempt, totaling 130 touchdowns and 74 interceptions.
