Former No. 1 Pick Called Steelers' $50 Million Plan B Option

The Pittsburgh Steelers’ quarterback situation is framed as temporary with Aaron Rodgers entering what is described as his final NFL season, but the team’s next move could point toward one of the league’s priciest veteran options. ESPN’s Bill Barnwell suggested Baker Mayfield among players who could be worth more than $50 million per season in 2026, raising the possibility that Pittsburgh could pay up if it isn’t positioned to draft an elite quarterback in the 2027 NFL Draft. Barnwell cited Mayfield’s performance since joining Tampa Bay in 2023, including a 2024 line of 4,500 passing yards and 41 TDs on 71.4% completions. Tampa Bay has not agreed to a new deal, keeping Mayfield’s future unsettled. Rodgers signed a one-year deal for 2026.