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Steelers could trade up for elite talent in draft if they upgrade QB

By Michelle Kotts

Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield heads to the locker room following a 37-14 loss against the Arizona Cardinals at FirstEnergy Stadium, Sunday, Oct. 17, 2021, in Cleveland, Ohio. Baker's streak of 53 consecutive starts will come to an end on Thursday as Case Keenum has been named the starter for the Browns' matchup against the Denver Broncos.Bakertunnel
Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield heads to the locker room following a 37-14 loss against the Arizona Cardinals at FirstEnergy Stadium, Sunday, Oct. 17, 2021, in Cleveland, Ohio. Baker's streak of 53 consecutive starts will come to an end on Thursday as Case Keenum has been named the starter for the Browns' matchup against the Denver Broncos.Bakertunnel /
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Baker Mayfield #6  (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Baker Mayfield #6  (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

The great thing about the NFL are the trades close to draft day. There are two trades the Steelers could make which would make a lot of sense.

Also, they would not necessarily cost the Steelers a lot in draft capital, and they could make a considerable improvement to the Steelers immediately in 2022. They could become an overnight Superbowl contender.

Steelers Trade for Baker Mayfield

The Steelers should offer a trade to the Browns for Baker Mayfield. However, the Steelers do not want to give up their 2022 first-round choice in trading. So they see if the Browns will take their number one pick in 2024 and their third-round selection in 2023.

Although, the Steelers might not even have to trade that much. Then the Browns get back two of the picks they traded away. However, if the Browns agree, there should be one additional caveat: they need to assume half of Mayfield’s salary.

Mayfield is on a 5th-year option; thus, he will need a new contract in 2023. That gives the Steelers options on how to proceed in 2023. Do they like Mayfield better or Trubisky. They will not be locked in long-term, and they end up paying Mayfield about $9.24 million and Trubisky about $7.14, so the Steelers are not overpaying on either player.

However, the Steelers should not stop here; now that they have Mayfield, they need to make a second trade.

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