Taking stock in Khan's active first week of free agency

Omar Khan's first free agency is just about in the books, and the Steelers might have been more active than they've ever been before in using the market to address needs on the roster.

And, one thing that really stands out after the first wave of signings is Khan is more than capable to build a roster the right way.

Losing Cam Sutton to the Lions just a couple hours into the legal tampering period is something that could incite panic. Keeping Sutton in a black and gold uniform was the Steelers' top priority in free agency. 

"We think very highly of Cam and conversations have commenced," Khan said at the NFL Combine. "We'll see where it goes, just like all of our other free agents. Everything is on the table."

Ultimately, Sutton's three-year, $33-million contract was beyond what the Steelers were willing to spend. But, Khan quickly pivoted to a player that was courted by Mike Tomlin and Grady Brown last offseason: All-Pro cornerback Patrick Peterson. In signing Peterson, the Steelers saved money and added perhaps the best possible mentor for a future first- or second-round cornerback. 

And, Peterson's passion and reverence for the Steelers and desire to stack productive seasons bodes well for what they're getting on and off the field.

A decision like this plays right into the Steelers' wheelhouse. It sets the team up for short- and long-term stability, especially if a cornerback is selected in the early stages of the draft. And, it provided flexibility to make further additions.

Including Peterson, here's the haul thus far for Khan and the Steelers:

• CB Patrick Peterson -- two years, $14 million ($5.85 million guaranteed)
• G Nate Herbig -- two years, $8 million ($4 million guaranteed)
• S Damontae Kazee -- two years, $6 million ($1.75 million guaranteed)
• DT Larry Ogunjobi -- three years, $28.75 million (guaranteed money TBA)
• LB Cole Holcomb -- three years, $18 million (guaranteed money TBA)
• LB Elandon Roberts -- two years, $7 million ($2.335 million guaranteed)

All six of these signings not only address five areas of need on the roster, but they speak to what the Steelers value at each respective position.

Adding Herbig to the offensive line provides much needed depth. It would be foolish to think an entire starting offensive line can start all 17 games in back to back seasons. They need to add depth up front on offense. But, not just depth for depth's sake.

Herbig's a mauler, especially in the running game. That plays right into the Steelers wanting to improve on the 146 rushing yards they averaged over the final nine games of the season.

"Man, I love football. I love to play the game of football," Herbig told reporters Thursday at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. "I feel like football is played a certain way, and I’m going to play it that way. I’m happy to be here. Old school, smash mouth, I like that stuff. As you can see, I’m built for it. So, I’m happy to be here."

Re-signing Kazee gives Minkah Fitzpatrick a familiar partner at safety. More important, Kazee has exceptional ball skills, and it's no secret that the Steelers value the ability to take the ball away. It's one of Pittsburgh's most coveted traits in the secondary.

Khan further fortified the trenches by bringing back Ogunjobi. Even though Ogunjobi often played injured in 2022, his presence undoubtedly aided in the Steelers' ascension from dead last against the run in 2021 to a ninth-place finish last season. Continuity on the defensive line can't be underrated, and Ogunjobi is only 28 years old. There's still plenty of football left in him, especially if he can find a way to remain healthy.

Cam Heyward made it well known just how much Ogunjobi's return means to him and this team.

"Getting Larry back was huge," Heyward said on his podcast, Not Just Football. "I'm excited to just keep growing with him, building something special. I think he's just going to feel more and more comfortable in this scheme, and he's going to benefit from it."

Prior to the official start of free agency on Wednesday, Khan brought in Holcomb as the first move to address the glaring need at inside linebacker. This, yet again, is another Steelers-type of signing. Holcomb has dealt with injuries in the past, including a foot injury that ended his 2022 season after only seven games and required surgery. Yet, whenever he's been on the field, he's been highly productive. 

As a rookie in 2019, Holcomb started 15 games and recorded 105 tackles, one sack and three forced fumbles. In 16 starts in 2021, Holcomb racked up 142 tackles, two interceptions, seven passes defended, one sack, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery. That kind of production has been sorely needed in the middle of the Steelers' defense. And, he has four years of NFL tape to prove he's capable of doing more than enough in coverage.

Then, Khan followed up by adding Roberts and cutting Myles Jack to further overhaul the linebacker room. Roberts is a thumper. In his seven year career, Roberts has established himself as a stout run defender and has really developed as a pass rusher. Last season with Miami, Roberts racked up 107 tackles and recorded 4.5 sacks.

The drawback on Roberts is his inconsistency in coverage, where he is considered to be a liability. That likely means Holcomb will be the three-down linebacker and Roberts will be utilized in packages designed to stop the run or rush the passer. However, it can't be understated that Roberts was a team captain in Miami and was well-liked and highly respected by his teammates. Along with Holcomb, the Steelers have added two linebackers that not only have something to contribute on the field, but also have experience in leading a locker room.

By losing Robert Spillane and Devin Bush in free agency, and hiring Aaron Curry to replace Jerry Olsavsky as inside linebackers coach, it's clear to see that Khan was dead set on completely starting over at a position that's limped on ever since Ryan Shazier suffered his tragic career-ending injury. The only holdover is Mark Robinson, who logged meaningful playing time in only two games as a rookie in 2022. That's a complete overhaul.

These six signings are just the start of free agency. While they are all Steelers-type of signings, there were also reports that they were in pursuit of higher-profile free agents before signing elsewhere, such as linebacker Leighton Vander Esch and left tackle Orlando Brown. The Steelers may not have won those bids, but being an unofficial finalist for those types of signings backs up what Khan said at the Combine.

"We're comfortable that if there's the opportunity to improve our team with someone, we can make things happen and sign (them)," Khan said. "There’s nothing holding us back."

But, being aggressive yet shrewd has absolutely paid off thus far. Nothing's been overly splashy, but Khan's fortified just about every position of need, setting up the opportunity to truly deepen their roster over the next few weeks and in the draft. And, anyone who follows the NFL even casually knows how vital depth can be.

That's what also makes these signings very favorable. The Steelers still have flexibility to make further additions. Whether it's adding Bud Dupree as a third edge rusher behind T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith, re-signing Terrell Edmunds to run back the popular three-safety package or adding depth at receiver and tight end, the Steelers can do it. 

While we don't yet know the exact breakdowns of the Ogunjobi or Holcomb contracts, the other four signings carry a collective cap hit of $11.2 million. The Steelers had around $11 million in cap space before any of these signings were made official, and then Khan created more cap room by restructuring Fitzpatrick's contract ($10.065 million saved) and cutting Jack ($8 million saved). 

Without accounting for Ogunjobi and Holcomb's unknown cap hit, the Steelers currently have $20.4 million in cap space, according to Spotrac. There will be room left over after those cap hits are figured in. Khan can do more.

There's still a long way to go. Now, Khan will likely focus on depth signings. Though, it would be foolish to completely rule out him entertaining another significant signing. 

Regardless of how the rest of this unfolds, Khan's first week in the GM's chair during free agency has been very productive. How it plays out on the field remains to be seen. But, Khan knows that Super Bowls aren't won by winning the bidding wars in March. And, the moves Khan's made so far has directly addressed team needs, paving the way toward building a deeper roster with financial flexibility in the coming weeks.