What If the Steelers Acquired Patrick Mahomes? A Mark Madden Hot Take

When it comes to football, few names evoke as much excitement as Patrick Mahomes. The Kansas City Chiefs quarterback has established himself as one of the most electrifying talents in the NFL, winning his team a Super Bowl and consistently putting up staggering statistics. In a recent hot take, sports radio personality Mark Madden posed an intriguing question: what if the Pittsburgh Steelers made a move to acquire Mahomes? Could this become a reality, and what would it mean for the franchise’s future?

The Current State of the Steelers

As of the 2023 season, the Pittsburgh Steelers have experienced mixed results on the field. With a foundation built on a traditionally strong defense and a run-heavy offensive scheme, the Steelers have struggled to find their groove at quarterback. Players like Mitch Trubisky and Kenny Pickett have brought varying degrees of success but have yet to elevate the team to the championship contender status fans are longing for.

In stark contrast, Mahomes has redefined the quarterback position with his ability to throw from various angles, execute no-look passes, and maintain a high degree of accuracy under pressure. Over his career, Mahomes has thrown for over 20,000 passing yards and 171 touchdowns in just five seasons. His ability to maintain a QBR of 75.9 demonstrates why he’s regarded as a generational talent.

Salary Cap Considerations

When discussing a potential acquisition of Mahomes, salary cap dynamics must be considered. Mahomes is currently signed to a 10-year, $450 million contract, one of the most lucrative in professional sports history. The Steelers would need to find a way to clear significant cap space to accommodate a player of Mahomes’ caliber.

As of 2023, the Steelers have limited cap flexibility, sitting at around $8 million in cap space. By releasing or trading key players like defensive stars Myles Jack or Cameron Heyward, the organization could generate some wiggle room. However, moving multiple impactful players could also hinder the team’s performance.

The Impact on Team Dynamics

Should the Steelers somehow land Mahomes, the ripple effect on team dynamics would be monumental. First, consider the synergy between Mahomes and offensive coordinator Matt Canada. Canada’s offense has often been criticized for its predictability and lack of dynamic plays. Mahomes thrives on improvisation and the ability to stretch the field, so a reworking of the offensive scheme would be essential for success.

Moreover, the supporting cast would drastically shift. With elite playmakers such as Diontae Johnson and George Pickens, Mahomes could elevate the receiving corps to new heights. There’s no doubt that Mahomes has the innate ability to turn average receivers into stars. Just look at his connection with Tyreek Hill, who became one of the most explosive players in the league under his helm.

Historical Precedence

While a trade involving Mahomes may seem far-fetched, NFL history shows that blockbuster quarterback moves can happen. The Philadelphia Eagles traded for quarterback Carson Wentz in 2016, while the Minnesota Vikings acquired Sam Bradford from the Eagles a year later. These trades not only altered team trajectories but reshaped the entire landscape of the league.

What This Means for Steelers Fans

For Steelers fans, the proposition of acquiring Mahomes is tantalizing. Imagine a team with a high-octane offense reminiscent of the Steelers’ glory days, combined with a defense that traditionally ranks among the league’s best. With Mahomes at the helm, the Steelers could become instant Super Bowl contenders once again.

Conclusion

While the scenario of Patrick Mahomes donning the iconic black and gold uniforms of the Pittsburgh Steelers may seem like a long shot, it opens the floor for an exciting conversation about the future of both franchises. Steelers fans can only dream about the prospects of having a transcendent talent like Mahomes leading their team. The implications of such a move would reach far beyond the football field, reinvigorating a championship culture that has been synonymous with the Pittsburgh Steelers for decades.

As we observe the trajectory of both the Steelers and the Chiefs, one thing is certain: while acquiring Mahomes would be a monumental challenge, the allure of what could be may just be the spark that reignites a storied franchise back to greatness.