Now that the first waves of free agency are behind us, it’s time to evaluate. Has Pittsburgh Steelers’ General Manager made this team better than when we last saw them ending the 2025 season?
On paper of course it’s always easier to call a team “better” or “worse” because the only thing that matters is what they look like when they get on the field. I’m of the opinion that Khan has done a really good job so far. That doesn’t mean there aren’t some question marks and that there won’t be some reservations about those that got away but I feel confident that this team is improved… At this stage at least.
The Two Glaring Holes
With Aaron Rodgers once again toying with the Steelers like a cat does a ball of yarn, the quarterback position is by far the biggest issue for this franchise. Even if Rodgers does decide to grace us with his presence, how much better does he make the team? Better than with Mason Rudolph or Will Howard? That seems likely. Better than with a rookie? Even more than likely. Kyler Murray is no longer an option so who does Khan turn to? Joe Flacco? Kirk Cousins? What a mess.
The other issue is left guard. Isaac Seumalo has gone to Arizona where he’s going to play for a team that “makes him feel wanted.” His words, not mine. Consider that Broderick Jones is still working back from neck fusion surgery and what you’ve got is a mess on the left side. There are still some free agent guards remaining but they all come with concerns. Former Brown Joel Bitonio is still available. At 35, he’s still a guy worthy of a one year deal in a pinch but clearly he’s not a desirable direction. Wyatt Teller is another former Brown who is 31 and could be an option as well but I get the feeling the Steelers prefer a draft pick to take that spot which is easier said than done.
Where Things Got Better
Trading for Michael Pittman, Jr was a steal considering it was for a late round pick swap. Giving him a three year extension is what makes some of us a bit queasy. I’m going to stay on the optimistic side here. I believe Pittman, Jr will be an above average number two receiver for a couple of seasons.
Losing Kenneth Gainwell sucks in my opinion mostly if Rodgers returns. Without Gainwell I fear that Rodgers will no longer have his “check down” guy to rely on. That said, Rico Dowdle will be a step up as a running back. I can envision a “thunder and lightning” backfield with him and Jaylen Warren which is something that the Steelers lacked in 2025.
Keeping Cam Heyward was huge for depth and leadership but they cannot expect him to log the snaps he did last season. Sebastian Joseph-Day is a sneaky good pickup by Khan. He’s quick and aggressive and very good against the run. He has some deficiencies in pass rushing but I’ll live with those. Stopping the run has to be his top priority.
Losing James Pierre was tough but getting Jamel Dean was a big improvement. His size and length opposite Joey Porter, Jr should be a huge upgrade from what we’ve seen recently. I suspect under Patrick Graham that things will look different for the entire defense but I would also suggest we’ll see the corners up in receivers’ faces a little more often too.
Those singing the praises of the ‘Khan Artist’ are well within their rights to do so. He’s done a nice job overall of replacing talent with better talent but there is much work to be done and that’s even before the Draft in a little over a month.
