Omar Khan and the Pittsburgh Steelers have arguably done plenty of good this offseason. Upgrading the offense with WR Michael Pittman Jr. and bolstering the secondary with CB Jamel Dean. A large draft class that will bring youth to the roster and more offensive line investments to fortify Pittsburgh’s trenches.
But the offseason oxygen has been taken up by two main storylines that lead beat writer Mike DeFabo to say it’s fair for fans to criticize the Steelers’ direction – waiting for Aaron Rodgers and the team’s failed attempt to draft USC WR Makai Lemon.
“That was a really tough look for Omar Khan, the general manager,” DeFabo said of the draft moment during a Thursday interview with FOX Sports’ Colin Cowherd. “I mean the draft was in Pittsburgh. The Steelers were in prime position to make a splash.”
Pittsburgh was on with phone with Lemon when the Philadelphia Eagles jumped from No. 23 to No. 20 to take him instead. It became the biggest storyline of the first round, one that otherwise had little drama or major surprises, and overshadowed the Steelers’ selection of Arizona State OT Max Iheanachor.
Under Khan, the Steelers appear to call prospects before the team is officially on the clock. That approach is well worth questioning with most teams waiting until it’s their turn before phoning a prospect in order to avoid these moments.
DeFabo believes Khan’s background only increases scrutiny of him.
“Omar Khan is not your typical kind of general manager,” he said. “He did not earn his job because he’s a boots-on-the-ground scout who does these detailed player evaluations. No, he came up through the salary cap route and got his job because he was supposed to be a wheeler and dealer who was aware of league happenings…he really gets caught embarrassed on the phone with Makai Lemon.”
Khan briefly worked on the coaching side in New Orleans but has spent the bulk of his career on the business side. He served as Pittsburgh’s salary cap manager and contract negotiator for 20 years before succeeding Kevin Colbert as general manager in May 2022. Under Khan, the team’s draft classes have improved but its overall success has not.
“It’s an awful look from the Steelers in their front office,” DeFabo said. “I think it’s reasonable for people to look at that type of thing and question the direction of the Pittsburgh Steelers and who is heading their front office.”
While DeFabo didn’t specifically delve into the topic, Khan and the Steelers have had their timelines for Rodgers ignored. During the NFL Combine, Khan all but promised a decision wouldn’t take nearly as long as 2025. Rooney expected it before the draft. Both those beliefs proved untrue.
Rodgers has his own agency, but the Steelers haven’t looked in control of the situation this entire offseason. Another negative look for the front office.
Despite the missteps, Khan’s spot seems safe. Signed to a three-year contract extension last summer that runs through 2028, he’ll be given plenty of time to lead Pittsburgh. If the playoff successes don’t soon happen and if more side stories like Lemon and Rodgers occur in the future, the more heat there will be on Khan now that the ire can’t be directed at Mike Tomlin.
Recommended for you