LATROBE, Pa. -- Ever since Omar Khan assumed the general manager's chair, he's left his unique mark on how the Steelers are run. He's done so with his approach to free agency and how he approaches other ways to upgrade the roster.
The latest development in Khan's saga is beginning training camp with nearly $16 million in cap space. For this franchise, that's unheard of.
"Historically, since I've been in this job we've never gone into the season with a lot of cap room," Khan told reporters Thursday afternoon. "We've usually used it. It's there for a reason. If there's an opportunity to utilize it -- we have some guys that we may talk to and get extensions on, or if there's a trade opportunity out there. Having all that capital gives us flexibility. It's been a long time since we've been in this position."
Khan's comments reinforce what I've believed all along to be the primary reason behind decisions such as declining Najee Harris' fifth-year option. As things stand right now, the Steelers have more than $77 million in cap space in 2025, and that doesn't count the potential roll over should the Steelers not use the near $16 million in cap space they have now.
With that kind of room, Khan can do pretty much whatever he wants. Should Russell Wilson or Justin Fields ball out, Khan can fork out quarterback money. Should a contract extension work out with Harris, Cam Heyward, Pat Freiermuth or Jaylen Warren, Khan can pay it. Should Khan and 49ers general manager John Lynch agree on a trade that would make Brandon Aiyuk a Steeler, though Khan said Thursday there was "nothing going on" right now, the franchise can afford to pay him the hefty contract he hasn't received in San Francisco.
As Khan said, this is a position the Steelers have not been in for a long time. And eventually, there will have to be decisions made regarding some important positions. For starters, Khan made it clear Thursday that paying Wilson and/or Fields will wait until after the upcoming season. But for the present, there are players that could be locked up beyond 2024, and now is the time the Steelers could try to get that done.
"This is usually an active time for us," Khan said. "But if something comes together, I'll make sure you guys are aware."
Heyward might be atop the list of contracts that could be ironed out. Despite the question marks about Heyward's age and durability after an injury-riddled season, Khan still believes it could be a smart investment.
"Last year, we had a rough stretch there but I'm confident in the way he works," Khan said. "I think Cam has a lot of football left in him, and I expect him to be here for years to come."
Because his fifth-year option was declined, Khan has to make a decision on Harris' future now instead of next spring. Khan reassured everyone that just because the team opted to not pick up his option, it doesn't mean he doesn't have a future in Pittsburgh.
"We think the world of Najee," Khan said. "He represents us well. He's a great football player. He's great to have in the building. I still see a future here with Najee."
And despite Khan saying nothing was going on right now, maybe -- just maybe -- the Steelers will eventually pull off a trade for an impact receiver. Remember, at one point this offseason Khan, Mike Tomlin and Art Rooney II all stated on the record their belief and "full faith" in Kenny Pickett. Now, he's backing up Jalen Hurts in Philadelphia. And, remember, Khan said Thursday that the cap space is there "for a reason."
I don't think Khan knows yet the exact reason why he's got so much cap space right now. And I think that's the point.
