The Pittsburgh Steelers finished up OTAs, handled a few player extensions, and are preparing for training camp. Meanwhile, social media is abuzz following statements made by Mike Florio on Pro Football Talk live that the Steelers, and general manager Omar Khan, will miss an opportunity if they do not “go after” quarterback Baker Mayfield.
If the Buccaneers let Baker Mayfield hit the open market in 2027, the Steelers should be at the front of the line to sign him. pic.twitter.com/idCJPW8IxX
— PFT Live (@PFT_Live) June 8, 2026
First, you have to question why Florio is discussing the offseason (early 2027) when the 2026 NFL season hasn’t even begun. It’s extremely premature to be having that type of analytical discussion. Second, Steelers Nation wasn’t completely won-over that Aaron Rodgers was returning for this upcoming season, hoping that second-year quarterback Will Howard – who took QB2 snaps during OTAs – is about to get a shot at starting in Pittsburgh. Then, there are the questions about where Drew Allar and veteran Mason Rudolph come into play. Would they be open to running it back with yet another outside veteran?
The only thing worse than bad jersey edits (like this one) are the kneejerk reactions by certain “media” trying to shoehorn a player into a specific situation.
The current contract talks between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Baker Mayfield apparently aren’t going well. Mayfield… pic.twitter.com/Yy2GjpgUow
— 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗲𝗹 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗨𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 (@steelcityundrgr) June 10, 2026
As SCU’s Joe Kuzma pointed out in his post on X (seen above), even if a deal between Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers does not come to fruition, he is unlikely to sit this season. As Kuzma wrote, “It’s also doubtful the Bucs, with Jake Browning, Connor Bazelak, and Jalon Daniels as their other quarterbacks, would deal Baker this season.”
Mike McCarthy is entering his first season as the head coach of the Steelers. Traditionally, McCarthy’s schemes draw from West Coast traditions (via influences like Paul Hackett) and his experience with the Saints, Packers, and Cowboys. McCarthy has been quietly building the framework for what he envisions in Pittsburgh. That includes developing the rookies in his first Steelers draft class.
Would McCarthy be wiling to move away from what he is building to bring in a veteran QB like Mayfield in the midst of that construction?
Mayfield is a competitive, tough, mobile quarterback with a “gunslinger” mentality that he has tried to model after Brett Favre. He’s shown high completion percentages and TD production in Tampa Bay’s scheme (like strong 2024-2025 numbers with efficient deep passing and red-zone play).
McCarthy prioritizes ball security and efficiency. Mayfield’s tendency to force passes could clash if the scheme demands more check-downs or conservative decisions early in drives. Analytics have flagged some regression risk on INTs. The West Coast elements also reward decisive footwork and quick releases. Mayfield can hold the ball or get happy feet under pressure.
Stylistically, Mayfield could fit with McCarthy… and that may have been the strongest argument that led Florio to suggest the Steelers engage with the quarterback. It is likely that was the driving force: similar style to what McCarthy has worked with in the past.
McCarthy’s first goal is to be successful in Pittsburgh in 2026. He already has his starting quarterback in Rodgers, is developing Howard and Allar, and has Rudolph in the wings. Tossing Mayfield into the mix this year would be a nightmare.
As for the offseason before the 2027 NFL league year begins? Sure, there is a possibility that McCarthy and the Steelers look for a veteran QB to add in a franchise-friendly deal. By then, though, Mayfield may not even be available.
Should talks between Mayfield and the Bucs completely break down, other teams with quarterback needs that are more immediate are likely to make an offer. That would tie Mayfield to another franchise and alter his trajectory out of an orbit anywhere near Pittsburgh.
To summarize, Florio was premature in his statements and the likelihood that the Steelers even consider Mayfield as an option is months away, if it even happens at all. Social media can ignite the fire and get the fanbase buzzing with speculation, but that is all it will be. Great for Florio who is getting a lot of face time and relevance. Not so great for a Pittsburgh Steelers team focused on right now.
Mayfield to the Steelers in 2026 is a ridiculously premature move. Let Mike McCarthy build what he has this season and then think about thr future. “Perfect” may be a stretch, too.
— Christina Rivers (@3Rivers_Writer) June 10, 2026