Steelers next QB could be a once unthinkable option

The Pittsburgh Steelers could look to a former division rival to become their next quarterback.

At the start of the new league year, the Pittsburgh Steelers prioritized bringing in Ben Roethlisberger’s replacement. In free agency, the team signed former Chicago Bears quarterback Mitchell Trubisky to a two-year deal. Despite the contract, the team is still in on quarterbacks, especially in the NFL Draft. But could they look to the open market once again.

According to Cleveland.com’s Mary Kay Cabot, the Steelers could “pounce” at the opportunity to sign Baker Mayfield if he is cut by the Cleveland Browns. Cabot made these comments on the Orange and Brown Talk podcast, where you can listen to at the 5:39 mark of the video below:

Could Steelers find next QB in Baker Mayfield?

The Mayfield situation is interesting, as he requested a trade from the Browns when they were pursuing Deshaun Watson. Cleveland initially declined it, but that all changed when they traded for Watson from the Houston Texans and signed him to a five-year, $230 million fully guaranteed contract.

A report from The Athletic’s Jeff Howe indicated that Mayfield preferred to be traded to and play for the Indianapolis Colts. The Colts became a non-option when they pulled off a trade for Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan. Now, Mayfield is currently sitting in proverbial purgatory, where there are less than a handful of teams in need of a starting signal-caller.

Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated reported that the Browns were looking for a first-round pick in return for Mayfield. It is unknown if that will happen, considering that so many teams in the NFL already have their starting quarterback situations figured out. Not only that, but Mayfield was coming off a down season, where he played through an injury to his non-throwing shoulder. Hence why the Browns may decide to cut ties with Mayfield.

The Steelers are in a difficult position in the NFL Draft, as they hold the 20th pick in the first round. That could take them out of the market for either Malik Willis or Kenny Pickett unless they trade a massive package of draft capital to a team in the top 10 to move down 10-plus spots down the draft board.

If Mayfield is cut by the Browns, maybe we should keep an eye on the Steelers.