Once upon a time, the Pittsburgh weren’t very active in free agency and the trade market. However, those days are gone as Omar Khan has done business differently since becoming the team’s general manager. He’s been active since the legal tampering period of free agency began, including reportedly trading for wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. and agreeing to terms with running back Rico Dowdle and cornerback Jamel Dean.
“I really like what the Steelers have done so far,” analyst Sam Monson said Wednesday on his Check the Mic podcast. “I really like the Jamel Dean move, I really like bringing back Asante Samuel [Jr.] for nothing, and I really like the Michael Pittman trade.
“I think they did extremely well to get him for that amount, even though he’s getting on in years and maybe there’s some limitations to his game. I think he fits and suits the Pittsburgh Steelers unusually well within that offense. I love that move.”
The Steelers have done a good job addressing most of their biggest needs so far. Pittman gives them a No. 2 receiver, Dowdle helps them replace Kenneth Gainwell, and Dean and Samuel bolters their cornerback room, which was desperately needed. They even added a punter by bringing back Cameron Johnston.
Also, the Steelers’ deals have mostly been team friendly. They are signing Pittman to an extension that should lower his 2026 cap hit. Dowdle will sign for less than Gainwell. Even Dean’s three-year contract looks favorable for Pittsburgh.
“Really, the only quibble or criticism for the Steelers right now is who’s the quarterback,” Monson said. “You can criticize them for not having secured it already, but ultimately, if they come up with an answer that you like, it’s fine.”
There are still decent quarterbacks available for the Steelers. Aaron Rodgers looks like their first option, but they could also go after Kyler Murray.
Until they have that figured out, the Steeler are building up the rest of their roster. That’s the right move. Unless something unexpected happens, it doesn’t look like they’ll find their next long-term quarterback this offseason. Putting whoever does start for them in a good situation should help them find success, though.
There’s still the draft to come, too, and the Steelers have a lot of picks to use. While they won the AFC North last year, they still had major issues. This offseason gives them a real chance to take a step forward, and they’re off to a good start.
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