All eyes are on Aaron Rodgers as the quarterback of the Pittsburgh Steelers this season, but don't be afraid to look ahead. The franchise has been stuck keeping its sights on the here and now, which has forced it to kick the proverbial franchise QB issue down the road for a substantial amount of time.
Instead of going with a young signal caller, they could return to some veteran comfort.
According to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, the connection between Baker Mayfield and the Pittsburgh Steelers could be very real. Not only does he think Mayfield could see them as an enticing spot to land if he makes it to free agency, but the signal-caller could give them a reasonable contract demand. It could lead to an eventual connection next offseason.
"I could see him taking less money to go to Pittsburgh," Florio stated.
It's still far away before you can remotely consider Mayfield as a potential option for the Steelers. The veteran quarterback remains stuck in brutal contract negotiations with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and there seems to be no end in sight. If those talks continue to toxify, perhaps Mayfield landing in Pittsburgh next free agency isn't far-fetched.
Mike Florio wouldn't be shocked if Pittsburgh Steelers land Baker Mayfield in free agency
Without Aaron Rodgers in the fold, the Steelers' starting quarterback vacancy will be obvious. You'd love to see them finally land a young franchise guy, or for Will Howard or Drew Allar to emerge as the favorites to win the job. In reality, Pittsburgh's top decision-makers have shown that's not how they operate. They like veteran starters at the position, and Baker Mayfield would fit their mold.
"Mayfield is an interesting cat, and I hope he ends up in Pittsburgh." Florio told 93.7 The Fan in July. "This guy will bet on himself because he has and he's won. That's why I think the [Tampa Bay Buccaneers] got to be careful, because they think they're going to offer him more than anyone else, but if you give him freedom, he has the right to take less from a team like the Steelers if he chooses to do so just to prove a point to the Buccaneers."
There is a lot to unpack from what Florio stated on these two different occasions, but basically, the Steelers could get Mayfield for cheap if Tampa Bay lets him hit free agency.
The tough gunslinger knows he can prove the doubters wrong; he's done it earlier in his career. His time within the AFC North also showed that he can handle the harsh elements that the division presents.
When it comes down to it, this season will be huge for those who want Mayfield to sign with the Steelers in free agency next year. Not only does Pittsburgh have to see how this campaign plays out, but Mayfield must show that he is worth a decent chunk of change on a new contract.
Right now, Spotrac's website projects him to sign a 4-year, $214.41 million blockbuster contract.
It's unlikely that the Steelers would come close to that offer in free agency, but if Mayfield plays well and makes it to the open market, it's something to consider. Another negative is that Mayfield has suffered different injuries throughout his career and will be turning 32 in April. Unless he signs a short-term, team-friendly contract in free agency, the Steelers may choose a cheaper alternative.
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