The Pittsburgh Steelers have long been searching for their next franchise quarterback ever since Ben Roethlisberger decided to retire after the 2021 season. The Steelers have tried a bit of everything, from drafting Kenny Pickett in the first round to using several veteran stopgaps. Additionally, the 2025 campaign brought the arrival of Aaron Rodgers. However, Rodgers has already made it clear that 2026 will be his final year in the NFL. Once Rodgers hangs it up after the 2026 season, there will be plenty of speculation about why the 2027 NFL Draft could produce the next great face of the Steelers franchise at quarterback.
Bob Donnan / Imagn Images
Dec 1, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) leaves the field after the game at Bank of America Stadium.
While drafting and developing a young quarterback is always the ideal path, it also comes with plenty of risk. Not every first-round quarterback turns into a franchise cornerstone, and finding a player who can immediately lead a team is one of the hardest challenges in the NFL. That is why Steeler Nation is paying close attention to Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield and what he told ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler on Thursday regarding his future in Tampa Bay.
Mayfield revealed that he felt disrespected during contract negotiations with the Buccaneers this offseason, raising questions about where his long-term future stands with the franchise.
"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.
If Steelers General Manager Omar Khan and Head Coach Mike McCarthy decide they want a proven veteran quarterback who has already shown he can lead a team, Mayfield could become a very interesting option. The former No. 1 overall pick has rebuilt his career in Tampa Bay, proving he can perform at a high level when given the right situation.
If his relationship with the Buccaneers ever reaches a breaking point, Pittsburgh could be one of the teams watching closely for an opportunity to land its next franchise quarterback. Mayfield's detailed comments make it seem like the breaking point has already been reached.
"It's disappointing," Mayfield said. "I'm not the first one to go through it like this. This is kind of historically how they've done negotiations. It's disappointing when you think you're a cornerstone of the franchise to be treated like that. But disappointing, I know the contract and salary cap, what's going on. Franchise tag isn't exactly in play for them. There'd be a lot of dead money. So it is what it is. And like I said, I'm fortunate, but on the side -- I'm in the best shape I've ever been in, in a really good place."
Mayfield made it clear that his frustration is not coming from a place of feeling sorry for himself. He understands that others face bigger challenges, but he believes he has earned the right to compare his situation to other quarterbacks around the league. After proving he can be a successful starter, Mayfield feels he deserves to be paid like a true franchise quarterback, especially after hearing that same belief from the Buccaneers organization.
Steelers Should Quickly Pounce On Tampa Bay's Mistake
While he was disappointed that a new contract was not completed, he made it clear that he set a deadline, communicated his stance to the team, and is focused on football moving forward.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Pittsburgh Steelers General Manager Omar Khan looks out to the crowd and takes it all in as the team works out during a 2025 training camp practice being held at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
The Buccaneers are playing with fire when it comes to their franchise quarterback. Mayfield has helped lift the organization, delivering big moments and proving he can be the long-term answer under center. By failing to make him feel fully valued, Tampa Bay may have created an opening for another team to capitalize. If the relationship continues to deteriorate, Khan could be ready to pounce and potentially land a proven franchise quarterback.
Please feel free to share your Steelers takes and thoughts with me on X (@anthonyghalkias) and consider following for more Steelers-related content and discussion. I’m always open to hearing different perspectives, breaking down games, and talking all things Pittsburgh football. Whether it’s roster moves, coaching decisions, or game-day reactions, I read and respond whenever I can. Your input helps drive the conversation and keeps the Steelers community active and engaged.
#SteelerNation