RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 1 sourcesWhy NFL Insider Thinks Baker Mayfield Could Take Less Money to Join Steelers originally appeared on SportsNet Pittsburgh .
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The Steelers are trapped in a sort of quarterbacking limbo heading into the 2026 campaign. Aaron Rodgers will take the reins of Pittsburgh's offense for one final season. Behind him lies a pit of uncertainty, with neither Will Howard nor Drew Allar expected to emerge as starting-caliber talents.
All of that is to say, if Pittsburgh isn't in the market for a QB, it will be in a few months time. At least one NFL insider believes the Steelers could strike a deal with one of the highest-profile passers set to hit the market in 2027: Buccaneers star Baker Mayfield.
Here's a look at what the Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio said about Pittsburgh's potential courtship of Mayfield, whose contract with Tampa is due to expire upon the conclusion of the 2026 season.
Why Mike Florio Thinks Baker Mayfield Could Land With Steelers
Florio suggested that the Steelers could be ideal suitors for Mayfield when he hits the open market in 2027. The journeyman quarterback's contract is set to expire at the end of the year.
Mayfield peeled back the curtain on his negotiations with Tampa, saying he felt "disrespected a little bit" that he and the team couldn't reach an agreement on a new deal before the start of training camp. He also said that he and his agent were "not presented with an offer that's appealing whatsoever."
"That's really the disappointing part -- to feel undervalued after thinking you've earned it," Mayfield told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler .
Mayfield vowed not to negotiate with the Buccaneers' front office during the season. He also told reporters that his agent won't provide updates on talks with the organization unless Mayfield is "actually recognized for his value."
"If you've waited this long to take care of your franchise quarterback, that's too bad because it's only going to get worse from here. I'm going to have a really big year," Mayfield said.
On an appearance on Barstool's "Pardon My Take" podcast, Florio speculated that Mayfield could view Pittsburgh as an apt landing spot. In fact, Florio suggested that Mayfield could take a pay cut to deck himself in black-and-yellow.
pic.twitter.com/1S94bJiny4
— Pardon My Take (@PardonMyTake) August 10, 2026 Mayfield has long been considered a bohemian of sorts at the NFL level. Florio previously cited Mayfield's persona as reason why he might opt to leave Tampa Bay even if the money was right.
"[Baker] Mayfield is an interesting cat, and I hope he ends up in Pittsburgh..." Florio told 93.7 The Fan in July (per Steeler Nation ). "This guy will bet on himself because he has and he's won. That's why I think the [Tampa Bay Buccaneers] got to be careful, because they think they're going to offer him more than anyone else, but if you give him freedom, he has the right to take less from a team like the Steelers if he chooses to do so just to prove a point to the Buccaneers."
Baker Mayfield contract details
Years left: One
Contract value: $33.3 million
Mayfield will take $33.3 million in the final year of his Buccaneers contract. He inked a three-year, $100 million deal with Tampa before the start of the 2023 season.
Mayfield has performed admirably in Buccaneers colors, leading Tampa to two postseason appearances while tallying 12,237 yards and 95 touchdowns to 37 interceptions. He's earned two Pro Bowl nods and garnered down-ballot MVP votes in 2024.
The 31-year-old told Fowler he "needed" to be making top-10 money at his position with his next deal. He aded that he wanted a long-term commitment and felt guarantees were low.
According to Fowler, the Bucs lodged a two-year deal worth slightly more than $100 million in total at Mayfield. He proceeded to turn the contract down, with Fowler reporting that Mayfield felt the structure of the deal and length of the contract were below par. Mayfield reportedly used Jordan Love ($55 million per year), Trevor Lawrence ($55 million per year) and Brock Purdy's ($53 million) contract figures as comparisons.
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