Steelers Encouraged to Go After Former $33 Million Quarterback
When the free agency period opens in March, the Pittsburgh Steelers may be on the market for a quarterback. Although the squad would benefit from an upgrade under center, the Steelers are more likely to go 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 one free agent the Steelers ought to sign in the next offseason.
Though McGuinness stated, “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 first season, he inked a four-year contract worth roughly $32.7 million as the number one choice.
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, since some 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 news conference following the season, it is not the organization’s current intention.
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.”
We all bring out our finest selves when we compete.
Wilson and his cousins wouldn’t compete. Pickett would be their obvious backup.
At the conclusion of 2023, Mayfield performed like a starter, but that was by far his best performance in a long time. In order to stay a starter in 2024, he might still have to contend with the kind of deal he signs in free agency.
But if Mayfield reaches his potential like he showed in the playoffs, he could be a better quarterback than Pickett than the majority of other free agents.
During his two postseason starts this season, Mayfield completed 686 yards of passing.
Mayfield Going back to work for the Tampa Bay Bucs?
The 28-year-old presents the Steelers with an intriguing prospective target. The matter at hand pertains to his availability.
Jeremy Fowler of ESPN surmised that he wouldn’t be. On January 24, Fowler made a prediction that Mayfield will be re-signed by the Bucs.
An NFC personnel evaluator told Fowler, “I don’t think it makes sense to go after someone else like Russell Wilson or Justin Fields when I don’t think that’s a substantial upgrade.” “Mayfield isn’t flawless, but he can help you win games.” He can produce like a top-10 player when he gets hot, but he is inconsistent.
Mayfield’s career record as an NFL starter is 40–46. With an average of 7.2 yards per throw attempt, he has completed 61.9% of his passes for 130 touchdowns and 74 interceptions.
Should Mayfield fail to make it to free agency, the Steelers may consider an older veteran like Ryan Tannehill.