Just in; Steelers Urged to Pursue Former $33 Million QB
The Pittsburgh Steelers could be in the market for a quarterback when free agency begins in March. But while the team could use an upgrade behind center, the Steelers could pursue a contending signal caller without having to trade former first-round pick Kenny Pickett. The perfect quarterback for that role could be veteran Baker Mayfield.
Gordon McGuness of Pro Football Focus named Mayfield as the only free agent the Steelers will pursue this offseason. “Mayfield will likely remain with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but the Steelers should be the first team to take the call if a free agent opportunity arises,” McGuinness wrote. “Mayfield didn’t live up to the former No. 1 pick’s expectations, but bounced back in his second and third seasons with the Cleveland Browns and earned a 74.6 PFF grade with 25 big throws and 24-of-24. – 2023 regular season This is a playable match.
The Cleveland Browns selected Mayfield with the first overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. As the No. 1 pick, he signed a four-year contract worth about $32.7 million before his rookie season.
Mayfield led the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to a 9-8 record in 2023 with 4,044 passing yards, 28 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Why is Baker Mayfield a good fit for the Pittsburgh Steelers?
ESPN’s Marcus Spears suggested Kirk Cousins as an option for the Steelers, while several NFL analysts linked Pittsburgh to veteran Russell Wilson.
However, these quarterbacks are of no use to the Steelers unless the team is willing to move on from Pickett. That’s not the club’s current plan, according to coach Mike Tomlin during his postseason press conference.
“I appreciate his hard work and where he’s at right now,” Tomlin told reporters on Jan. 18. “I’m excited to continue working with him.” “But from a competitive point of view, there will definitely be challenges going forward.
“Competition brings out the best in all of us.”
Cousins and Wilson will not be rivals. They make Pickett a true backup.
Mayfield will be a starter until the end of 2023, but this was his best game in years. Depending on the type of free agent contract, he could still compete as a starting pitcher in 2024.
But unlike most other free agents, Mayfield could be an upgrade over Pickett if he performs well in the playoffs. Mayfield has thrown for 686 yards in two playoff games this season.
Is Mayfield back with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers? The 28-year-old is an intriguing prospect for the Steelers. But the question is whether it is available. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler doubts otherwise. Fowler predicted the Buccaneers would re-sign Mayfield on January 24th. “I don’t think it makes sense to pursue someone like Russell Wilson or Justin Fields unless it’s a major upgrade,” one NFC personnel evaluator said of Fowler. “Mayfield isn’t perfect, but we can win games with him. “He’s a pig, but when he’s hot, he can act like a top 10 player.”
Mayfield is 40-46 as a career NFL starter. He completed 61.9 percent of his passes while averaging 7.2 yards per attempt for 130 touchdowns and 74 interceptions. If Mayfield doesn’t hit the open market, an older veteran like Ryan Tannehill could be another potential target for the Steelers.
