With contract talks stalling in Tampa Bay and Aaron Rodgers nearing retirement, Mike Florio urges Pittsburgh to pursue the veteran quarterback to stabilize their uncertain future.
Baker Mayfield's contract negotiations with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers aren't close to what his camp expected, which has sparked discussions about potential 2027 free agency destinations.
Mike Florio, the creator and Editor-in-Chief of Pro Football Talk, highlighted the Pittsburgh Steelers as a "perfect fit" for the nine-year veteran. Aaron Rodgers confirmed he will retire after next season, leaving questions surrounding who will lead the Steelers as the next quarterback.
"I would make a beeline for Baker Mayfield," Florio said on Monday. "If I'm Mike McCarthy and I'm the Pittsburgh Steelers and I get through this season and my options are Will Howard, Drew Aller, and Mason Rudolph, I am doing whatever it takes to get Baker Mayfield in Pittsburgh."
A three-way battle between Rudolph, Howard and Allar would ensue following Rodgers' retirement. The most significant issue concerning those three: none are franchise-leading quarterbacks.
Rudolph is the most experienced out of the trio, spending six years in the NFL serving as a backup. He's stepped up as a starter when needed, but leading a team over the season is an unanswered question.
Quarterback uncertainty for the Steelers is why Florio believes they should pursue Mayfield in free agency. Mayfield revitalized his career with Tampa Bay after Tom Brady retired, and even had a career season in 2024.
He threw for 4,500 yards, 41 touchdowns and 16 interceptions under offensive coordinator Liam Coen, who is now the Jacksonville Jaguars' coach. The 31-year-old had back-to-back 4,000-yard seasons in 2023 and 2024.
Last season was a bit of a down year, as Mayfield -- and the team -- battled through injuries. He threw for 3,693 yards, 26 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.
Mayfield signed a three-year, $100 million contract with the Buccaneers in 2023. Now entering the final year of his deal, Tampa Bay has a difficult decision on its hands.
The 2018 1st overall pick is in line to earn a contract similar to the top quarterbacks in the league. Pat Kerwin, a former linebackers coach and personnel chief with the New York Jets, suggested on SiriusXM NFL radio that Mayfield earn $54 million annually.
Mayfield would earn similar money to Seattle Seahawks' Sam Darnold and Los Angeles Chargers' Justin Herbert. The Buccaneers have never committed that much money to a quarterback, but to keep Mayfield, they have to pay a premium.
The contract negotiations aren't close to finalization, which will continue to increase Mayfield's future uncertainty if an extension is not signed. Tampa Bay is not in a position to lose a starting quarterback over a reluctance to pay.
If the Buccaneers and Mayfield don't agree on a deal, then another team, like the Steelers, could swoop him in 2027.
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