Omar Khan is certainly not new to the Steelers having been here since 2001, nor is he new to Steelers fans. Before he was named the GM, he was always referred to as the Steelers’ “cap guy” who rearranged things and just seemed to make the numbers work to fit new players and contracts on the books and stay under that cap.
He wasted no time when he finally became the GM after buying his time over two decades. He set a franchise record for outside free agents brought into the organization, showing an aggressive nature in re-working this roster.
Of course, Andy Weidl is also believed to be behind some of these moves, especially the players with Eagles connections like Nate Herbig and Isaac Seumalo. He’s also believed to be behind the idea to beef up the trenches and get back to a physically imposing team.
But it’s theoretically Khan’s show now. The two biggest losses from this offseason are cornerback Cam Sutton, who is coming off a really solid season and signed a deal in Detroit that you would have thought the Steelers could have matched, and Terrell Edmunds who might never have lived up to his first round billing but was a multi-year starter at safety.
But Khan didn’t try to replenish those two positions. He brought in Keanu Neal and kept Damontae Kazee around at safety, then signed Patrick Peterson and drafted two more at the cornerback position (we’ll get to the draft in a second).
Seumalo will be the starting left guard, Peterson will be a starting cornerback, Keanu Neal figures to at least split starting duties with Kazee. Allen Robinson will likely be the third receiver and getting starts and finally, the entire inside linebacker group who was totally inept at making meaningful plays last year, has been stripped down and rebuilt with newcomers Elandon Roberts, Cole Holcomb and Kwon Alexander.
Let’s not forget about the guys who Khan also kept around like Larry Ogunjobi, Mitch Trubisky, Mason Rudolph and backups he brought in like Armon Watts, Breiden Fehoko and Markus Golden.
Then, there’s the draft class.
It’s already one that’s gotten praise from around the league and whose members have had successful training camp and preseason performances so far. First rounder Broderick Jones seems to be losing the battle to Dan Moore Jr. at left tackle right now, but camp go-ers and reporters have commented about how he looks like he fits in and will be the future there.
Second rounder Joey Porter Jr, despite being on the wrong end of a viral George Pickens catch, has looked really good in camp, showing professional work ethic and staying with all the Steelers receivers. Fellow second rounder Keeanu Benton might just start at nose tackle right away, he was making plays in the middle during that first preseason game.
Third rounder Darnell Washington has been a camp darling, showing off his size, blocking ability, catching ability and route running. Fourth rounder Nick Herbig looked like a mini TJ Watt on Friday night with a sack and a half. Cory Trice Jr. unfortunately was lost for the season but was drawing rave reviews as an under the radar CB with size and ability before he went down. Finally, even seventh rounder Spencer Anderson has shown himself well and might make this team because of his ability to play literally every single position along the offensive line.
My point in mentioning all of this is to say that Khan has built depth on this team. Depth that has been missing for the last several years and one of the reasons why this franchise hasn’t won a playoff game since 2016. If those players hit and become viable starters with maybe even a couple of game changers thrown in there.
The roster looks significantly different than the one that missed the playoffs last year. If the rookies make the kind of impact during the regular season as they have in the preseason to this point, the Steelers could put together a season that vies for a divisional championship.
And Omar Khan’s fingerprints will be all over it.
There’s plenty of “if’s” to get there. There always is. And frankly, there’s always preseason hype for just about every team to be better than what they actually are.
But if the Steelers are noticeably better across the board, and if their many newcomers help in that cause, Omar Khan will be beloved by the fanbase. The “Khan Artist” will take off. T-shirts may be made. Praise will funnel in from outside the city as well from national analysts.
Khan has a chance to make a big splash in his first full year on the job. And make the league notice his work. If he’s instantly successful, he’ll Steeler Nation smitten. He’s already left his mark on this team in a big way.
…of course, this could all blow up in his face, too.