One underrated story from this offseason is the current contract negotiations between Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Mayfield, who signed a three-year extension in 2024, is set to become a free agent in 2027, and the two parties are reportedly not close to a deal.
Why Mike Florio Believes the Steelers Are a Great Destination for Baker Mayfield
The last time Mayfield was a free agent, the Buccaneers were able to sign him to an extremely cheap deal, giving him $4 million for a one-year contract. His 2023 performances netted him a three-year, $100 million extension, but this time Tampa Bay will spend a lot more money.
A passer of Mayfield’s caliber rarely hits the open market. After an inconsistent start to his career, he has established himself in Tampa Bay as a franchise quarterback. If he does become a free agent in 2027, his price can go way up.
Discussing his current contract situation, Mike Florio presented an interesting option in case he becomes available. Florio mentioned the Steelers as a great destination for the quarterback, especially with Aaron Rodgers set to retire after the 2026 season:
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“The Buccaneers may believe that if we get to March of next year and he’s not tagged and he’s due to hit the open market, that they’ll offer more financially than anyone else will. And that may be the case. But by then, Baker Mayfield may go somewhere else and take less money.
“And I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again right now. Pittsburgh would be a great destination for Baker Mayfield next year because what are they looking at next year? Mason Rudolph, Drew Allar, Will Howard. I’ll take Baker Mayfield. Hell, I’d take Baker Mayfield now over Aaron Rodgers if I was the Pittsburgh Steelers. Not that that’s going to happen. I’m just saying that would be my preference,” Florio said.
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Mayfield has set a deadline for contract talks with the franchise. He told reporters during minicamp that he would love to stay in Tampa Bay for the long term, but the negotiations were “not anywhere close to what we were thinking.” The quarterback said that once training camp begins, there won’t be any more contract discussions.
The Buccaneers were the perfect place for him to reignite his career after difficult stints with the Cleveland Browns and the Carolina Panthers. For Tampa Bay, finding a good quarterback right after the retirement of Tom Brady was unexpected. To see him playing for another team in 2027 would definitely be a blow.
For the Steelers, even after drafting Will Howard and Drew Allar, there’s no doubt about Mayfield bringing a much higher floor at the quarterback position. The financial aspect would be a massive factor, but the improvement would be undeniable.
