Throughout the course of the NFL offseason this year, rumors have been running rampant about Baker Mayfield’s future with the Cleveland Browns. After the franchise traded for Deshaun Watson, it is clear that Mayfield will be on his way out of town. Among the teams that have been mentioned as potential landing spots are the Seattle Seahawks and Carolina Panthers, but another team lurking in the background is the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Granted, there are a ton of hurdles that would need to be cleared to send Mayfield to Pittsburgh. However, the Steelers have been reported to have a ton of interest in acquiring Mayfield.

Most of the rumors connecting Mayfield and the Steelers have been dependent on the Browns releasing the quarterback. But, a trade could still be on the table.

NFL Spin Zone recently named the Steelers as a potential surprise trade destination for Mayfield. They also spoke out a bit on why the Browns might be willing to make a deal with Pittsburgh.

If there are no other trade takers for Mayfield on his fifth-year option, why would you pass up the chance to get draft capital for him just because it is coming from a division rival? You’ve already made the bed you’re going to sleep in and you have decided that Mayfield is not your guy.

Mayfield would certainly be a nice pickup for the Steelers. They did sign Mitchell Trubisky in free agency, but Mayfield has the potential to be a star still. He is just 27 years old and has shown plenty of signs of being able to produce at a high level.

Last season, the Browns’ quarterback struggled through an injury-plagued season. He ended up completing 60.5 percent of his pass attempts for 3,010 yards, 17 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions in 14 games. Those numbers led to Cleveland deciding to go a different direction at quarterback.

Looking at the Steelers’ offense, Mayfield would have plenty of options to work with. Chase Claypool and Diontae Johnson are quality wideouts and Najee Harris has true star potential at running back. A quarterback with the talent that Baker Mayfield possesses might be the missing piece.

Expect to continue hearing rumors about Mayfield as the 2022 NFL Draft draws closer. If the Browns can’t find a buyer on Mayfield, the Steelers might have a chance. This is something to keep an eye on.