Pittsburgh Steelers Eyeing Baker Mayfield as Future Quarterback Option

After a lengthy period of speculation, the Pittsburgh Steelers have solidified their quarterback plans for the 2026 season with Aaron Rodgers committing to play. However, questions loom about the team’s direction beyond that, especially as Rodgers hints that this may be his final season in the NFL at the age of 42. The Steelers have made strides toward securing their future signal-caller by drafting Drew Allar in the third round and Will Howard in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, yet both remain unproven prospects.

In recent years, the Steelers have shown a preference for acquiring experienced quarterbacks while still developing younger talent. As they look ahead to next offseason, the team may continue to pursue this strategy. One intriguing name that has emerged is Baker Mayfield, the two-time Pro Bowl quarterback who will enter free agency after the current season. Although Mayfield is in discussions with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers regarding a long-term deal, reports indicate that the two sides are not close to finalizing an agreement.

Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio recently highlighted Mayfield as a prime candidate for the Steelers. “Baker Mayfield would be perfect in Pittsburgh. I know they’d like to get off this train of older veteran quarterbacks, but he’s a spring chicken in comparison to Aaron Rodgers. I would make a beeline for Baker Mayfield,” Florio stated, suggesting that if the Steelers find themselves weighing options like Will Howard, Drew Allar, and Mason Rudolph next season, pursuing Mayfield would be a smart move.

It would certainly be a fascinating turn of events for Mayfield to join the Steelers, allowing him to compete against the franchise that initially drafted him first overall, creating an enticing rivalry. If the Buccaneers fail to meet his contract demands, the Steelers might just find themselves in a position to make a play for the talented quarterback.