This offseason has been a busy one for the Pittsburgh Steelers. They’ve made a number of big offers, with the most recent seeing them commerce Minkah Fitzpatrick for Jalen Ramsey. It’s not usually how the Steelers function, however they’re clearly making an attempt to make a push to be contenders this 12 months. Nevertheless, former NFL offensive lineman Ross Tucker thinks this newest transfer makes it appear to be somebody within the Steelers’ group may lose their job if this season doesn’t go effectively.
“My greatest takeaway from this commerce is the Steelers are working like somebody’s on the new seat,” Tucker mentioned just lately on his podcast. “I’m not saying anybody is on the new seat, however the strikes they’re making, paying Jalen Ramsey nearly $20 million this 12 months, these are the varieties of strikes {that a} GM makes when he thinks he’s on the new seat. No reporting, that is simply my commentary.”
Since taking up because the Steelers’ GM for Kevin Colbert in 2022, Omar Khan has not been shy about doing issues otherwise. In his first season within the function, he made a wonderful midseason commerce transport WR Chase Claypool off for a second-round decide. Throughout his first draft with the staff, he moved up within the first spherical, if solely barely, for OT Broderick Jones.
Khan has additionally given out a number of huge contracts to outdoors gamers like LB Patrick Queen and WR DK Metcalf. Whereas the Steelers nonetheless haven’t damaged their playoff win drought, it doesn’t really feel like Khan’s job is in jeopardy.
The Steelers’ homeowners don’t normally function with impatience. Artwork Rooney II has caught by Mike Tomlin, regardless of his latest failures. It doesn’t appear probably that he’d fireplace Khan after only some seasons as Pittsburgh’s GM. His willingness to make splash strikes may really feel determined, however that feeling may not be tied to his job safety.
It’s extra possible that the Steelers are working like this as a result of they know their Tremendous Bowl window is almost closed. Whilst you may argue that it hasn’t been open for a number of years, the Steelers’ final objective is all the time to win a championship. They haven’t received a playoff recreation in nearly 10 years, and that’s most likely irritating your entire group.
Additionally, lots of the Steelers’ finest gamers are on the incorrect aspect of 30. Defensive lineman Cam Heyward was nonetheless elite final 12 months, however there’s no telling when Father Time will catch him. T.J. Watt turns 31 later this 12 months. Khan and firm probably need to maximize these participant’s finest remaining years.
Which may assist clarify why they’re working otherwise this offseason. Until this season goes horribly incorrect, the Steelers are almost certainly going to retain Khan and Tomlin. Including Ramsey and Jonnu Smith brings extra expertise to their staff. Whereas they could possibly be heading for a slight rebuild subsequent 12 months, Pittsburgh’s present regime will most likely oversee these adjustments.
