​With Aaron Rodgers likely in the final year of his career, the Steelers could consider trading for another veteran quarterback. The New York Jets, meanwhile, are in need of a long-term, stable solution at the position. And as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers navigate a contract dispute with Baker Mayfield, the idea of a trade grows louder if they cannot reach an extension before the season starts. Following Mike Garafolo’s report that the Buccaneers and Mayfield are far apart on a deal, it’s reasonable to expect trade chatter to intensify. It appears more probable that the teams head into the season without a new pact, especially given Mayfield’s rough 2023 campaign. Yet the landscape is full of quarterback-needy franchises, making it logical to explore what value a team might place on Mayfield’s services. Securing another first-round pick in the 2027 draft could enable the Buccaneers to move up and choose their quarterback of the future.
One potential destination discussed is the Arizona Cardinals. With Jacoby Brissett awaiting a new contract as well, the Cardinals currently have Gardner Minshew and rookie Carson Beck on the books. None of those options outrank Baker Mayfield as a viable long-term starter. The Cardinals also boast an excellent array of skill-position players who would benefit from a productive quarterback. It’s conceivable that the Buccaneers could extract a substantial package from Arizona if they were to trade Mayfield and, perhaps, receive an extension in return.
The notion of a Baker Mayfield trade from the Buccaneers ties into the broader market dynamics at play. If Rodgers’ career is indeed winding down, the Steelers might consider pursuing another veteran option to stabilize the quarterback room. The Steelers have been part of the veteran quarterback carousel since Ben Roethlisberger retired. Their attempts with Kenny Pickett did not yield the expected results, and attempts to pair with young quarterbacks like Justin Fields or Russell Wilson did not translate into playoff success. Rodgers had a commendable season last year, but he no longer carries the form of an MVP candidate. In this context, acquiring Mayfield could make sense for Pittsburgh, especially since the organization has shown reluctance to invest heavily in developing young quarterbacks via the NFL Draft. A Mayfield trade could extend Pittsburgh’s competitive window if he thrives within their system, offering a more immediate and proven option than continuously rolling the dice on younger signal-callers.
The New York Jets are looking for a stable, long-term answer at quarterback. After the 2026 season, the Jets will need to decide how to secure the position beyond Geno Smith, whose contract is set to expire. Regardless of their 2026 performance, it seems unlikely Smith will remain on the roster. The Jets possess an intriguing cohort of young playmakers who have yet to reach their full potential, largely due to inconsistent quarterback play. If the Jets perform better than expected, they could explore a trade for Baker Mayfield, should they find their 2027 draft prospects unsatisfactory. Alternatively, the Jets might pursue a non-quarterback high in the draft, with plans to trade up or otherwise maneuver for “better SEO” in terms of roster-building strategy. In any case, the situation creates a dynamic market in which Mayfield’s value could be leveraged by teams seeking an immediate upgrade at the most important position in football.