PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Not everything Tuesday when Omar Khan spoke to the media was about Aaron Rodgers or Mike McCarthy.
What Khan said about early conversations with Cam Heyward, Broderick Jones’ injury, free agents, more to come for Pat Freiermuth.
Broderick Jones
· Drafted by Khan to be the left tackle of the future, just when it appeared he was reaching some of that potential, a neck injury limited him to 11 games
“We’re monitoring the medical part of it,” Khan said Tuesday. “That has something to do with (whether or not they would pick up the fifth-year option)
Cam Heyward
· It got ugly in training camp last year after Cam Heyward held out saying he had a verbal agreement with the Steelers for more money. Even at 36, Heyward hasn’t hinted to his future, but it’s conceivable he believes he can play for multiple years and he heads into the final year of his contract.
“Cam is still playing at a high level,” Khan said. “I mean, you guys saw it. I met with Cam after the season. We had some good conversations. Obviously, there were a lot of emotions with what had happened with Coach T [Mike Tomlin]. We just agreed that we would talk in a few weeks. So, I would expect us to talk here soon.
Pat Freiermuth
· Prideful he acted in the team’s best interest, you could tell the lack of opportunities bothered Pat Freiermuth in 2025. After signing a four-year, $48.4 million extension, he dropped to just 41 catches for 486 yards and four touchdowns.
“He's a competitor, so he wants the ball,” Khan said. “You know, never going to question that, but I think he's going to have a big part in his offense. So, [I’m] excited about what's to come with Pat. He's a great player to have around, and we paid him for a reason.”
Patrick Queen
· When he signed as a high-priced free agent from the Ravens, it was thought Queen would be a major difference-maker with the defense. He has 249 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, two sacks, two fumbles recovered over his pair of seasons. There were times his play rose, but not consistently. Outside talk of his future with the Steelers.
“PQ has been good for us,” Khan said. “You know, I think he likes being here. We like having him be a part of the team. And you know, part of the process is going to be for him to get to know us, us to get to know him, but I'm excited about having him around.”
Jalen Ramsey
· Traded originally to potentially be a starting corner or in the slot, Jalen Ramsey moved to safety out of necessity.
Khan said he can’t say enough good things about him and his approach to the game calling him one of the most unselfish players he’s been around.
“His role will kind of shake out as the new coach you have as he comes in, but he's got versatility. You know, that's the beauty of Jalen. If you want to play corner, he can play corner, and nickel, safety. There's a lot of different things you can do. You can blitz him. It's exciting. I know the new coaching staff is excited to work with him.”
Free agents
· There are several starters from last year’s team who will become free agents on March 11, beyond Aaron Rodgers. Team MVP and running back Kenneth Gainwell, guard Isaac Seumalo, corner James Pierre, wide receiver Calvin Austin and others
“You know what? I learned a long time ago that...you know, we are talking to some of our players, that's for sure,” Khan said. “But to say that some of those deals will get done in the next couple days, probably isn't accurate. I've learned that these things kind of go to the deadline, the start of free agency, but we're certainly talking to some of our players.