It seemed the Pittsburgh Steelers were stuck in archaic ways of free agency. That is until general manager Omar Khan made his mark.
The NFL’s new league year unofficially kicked off Monday afternoon, and the Pittsburgh Steelers wasted no time getting to work. The franchise has developed a habit of moving early in the offseason, but general manager Omar Khan deserves plenty of credit for the fresh approach.
The Steelers may not chase the biggest names in free agency like Malik Willis or Alec Pierce. However, Khan has made it clear he won’t simply shop from the bargain bin of the free-agent market.
Similar Approach, Reworked Formula
Last season, Khan traded for DK Metcalf ahead of the new league year and immediately signed him to a new deal. This year, he followed a similar script with Michael Pittman Jr.—though at a much lower trade cost.
The Steelers didn’t just address a thin wide receiver room; they also retooled the secondary. During the legal tampering period, Khan signed former Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Jamel Dean to a three-year deal.
Dean played strong football last season and allowed only one touchdown. He will turn 30 this year, but this signing doesn’t resemble the moves the Steelers made for veterans like Darius Slay or Patrick Peterson.
Own The Losses, Build on Wins
Khan isn’t just showing a willingness to take chances—he’s also showing a willingness to admit mistakes. The formula of signing aging veterans who might have a little left in the tank clearly didn’t work with Peterson or Slay.
Instead, Khan targeted younger talent with productive years still ahead. He also appears to have finally addressed a receiver room that lacked proven talent beyond one player.
Quarterback remains the biggest question. Signs point toward the Steelers running it back with Aaron Rodgers, but nothing is guaranteed at this stage. Khan could still look in a different direction—or at least work toward a more long-term solution.
Regardless, Khan continues to evolve and doesn’t seem afraid to own his misses. He’ll keep swinging—but he may be looking for a different pitch this time.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Omar Khan’s Approach to Free Agency Remains a Breath of Fresh Air
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