As the Pittsburgh Steelers prepare for the 2026 NFL season, the team faces a pivotal decision regarding its quarterback situation, particularly with Aaron Rodgers announcing this will be his final year in the league. The Steelers are aware that their current roster may not provide a long-term solution, making them consider significant options for the future.
ESPN analyst Bill Barnwell recently highlighted Baker Mayfield as a potential target for the Steelers if they find themselves unable to draft one of the elite quarterbacks available in the 2027 NFL Draft. Mayfield, who has been a notable figure in the league since being the first overall pick in 2018, is projected to command a hefty salary, potentially exceeding $50 million per season.
In his analysis, Barnwell pointed out that while teams will be vying for top prospects like Arch Manning and Dante Moore, the Steelers might be left with no choice but to invest heavily in a veteran like Mayfield if they do not secure a high draft position. "There will be organizations angling for Arch Manning, Dante Moore and other options at the top of next year’s draft, but if a team such as the Steelers isn’t drafting high enough to land one of the top prospects, will it be willing to pay north of $50 million per season to lock in Mayfield?" Barnwell wrote.
Mayfield's performance with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers has been impressive, especially considering he has not missed a start in three seasons and led the team to a playoff victory. His best season came in 2024 when he threw for 4,500 yards and 41 touchdowns, boasting a completion rate of 71.4%. Although his statistics dipped last season, he still ranked 14th in QBR among quarterbacks during his tenure in Tampa Bay, indicating his capability to perform at a high level.
As negotiations for a contract extension have stalled, Mayfield is set to enter unrestricted free agency in 2027, unless the Buccaneers decide to use the franchise tag on him, which could also be valued around $50 million. This uncertainty around Mayfield's future adds another layer to the Steelers' potential decision-making process.
The Steelers currently have four quarterbacks on their roster: Rodgers, Mason Rudolph, Will Howard, and rookie Drew Allar. General manager Omar Khan expressed optimism about the future with Howard and Allar, both of whom showed promise during the preseason. However, the team remains open to the possibility of drafting a quarterback if the opportunity arises, regardless of the current roster composition.
Should the Steelers have a successful season, their draft position may not afford them the chance to select a top quarterback. If that occurs, Mayfield could become a compelling option, presenting a dilemma for the Steelers: pursue a younger, potentially unproven quarterback or invest significantly in a seasoned player who will be nearing 32 years old by the time the 2027 season begins.
The performance of Mayfield this year will be crucial, as it may very well influence whether the Steelers need to consider him as a viable option moving forward.
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