Friday Insider: What happened (and why) at trade deadline
Omar Khan went into the trade deadline doing what he could to improve the 2025 Steelers. The goal, as always in Pittsburgh, is to win the Super Bowl.
However, the goal isn't to try to win a Super Bowl just this season. Khan knows championships are won when the team is built through the draft. So, heading into a draft in which the Steelers have a lot of capital, he wasn't about to give away those assets to make 2025 the "all in" season that so many believe it is.
That being said, according to a source, the Steelers offered the Saints the same package as the Seahawks for wide receiver Rashid Shaheed -- a fourth- and fifth-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Shaheed preferred to go to Seattle to reunite with offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, whom he played under last season in New Orleans, so the Saints accepted the package that honored their player's wishes. The Steelers also were very much involved in the Jakobi Meyers sweepstakes. Though the exact offer isn't known, what I do know is a similar offer was made to what the Jaguars paid the Raiders, a fourth- and sixth-round pick in 2026.
That kind of stuff happens throughout the trade deadline. Moves are close to being done, and sometimes are even thought to be done, but fall apart at the last minute. In addition, Khan had another deal in place for a wide receiver that wound up not being dealt at all, with the other team opting to pull out of the deal with a short amount of time remaining ahead of the deadline.
So, yes, Khan was willing to part with future assets to help the team now. He has stated multiple times on the record that he is always seeking ways to improve the team. And, let's not forget that Khan did address a need the week prior by acquiring Kyle Dugger from the Patriots that included a swap of sixth- and seventh-round picks, a move that paid immediate dividends as Dugger helped solidify a secondary that was bleeding in last Sunday's 27-20 win over the Colts.
But, Khan was willing to only go so far. He probably could have wowed the Saints or Raiders and offered a third-round pick, which likely would have landed either Shaheed or Meyers. After all, the Steelers already have two third-rounders in the bank (their own and Dallas' pick from the George Pickens trade), and could wind up with another third-round pick if Dan Moore Jr. plays enough this season to meet the necessary requirements in the overly-complicated compensatory pick formula.
However, first-round picks were off the table. As were second- and third-round picks, unless they would have brought back something that would have completely blown the Steelers away. There was also no consideration to trade current players on the roster, though teams did call about Alex Highsmith. Khan wasn't willing to make any move that made one position better but weakened another. If a move was going to be made, it was going to make the 2025 team better. And, giving away assets for a return that isn't guaranteed to provide any return beyond 2025 was also something Khan really didn't want to do. Thus, the most valuable assets -- Day 1-2 picks -- were not about to be included in any potential trade.
After writing a column on why I believed the Steelers ultimately stood pat at the deadline, outside of the Dugger trade, this week confirmed what I've been saying for months: It's all about a long-term plan at quarterback on the South Side.
This remains paramount to Khan. I have been reporting this for months. While he wants to do everything he can to improve the team now, it was confirmed to me this week that being positioned to possibly get the next long-term quarterback as soon as next year's draft is the franchise's top priority. Khan has a long-term vision for sustainable competition, and he knows that having a legitimate franchise quarterback is not a luxury, but a requirement.
This is a difficult line to ride. Khan has to balance the directive from Art Rooney II to try and win a Super Bowl every season. And nobody's going to tell Mike Tomlin to take his foot off the gas in that endeavor, either. And even with the moves that have been made this season, they've either given the Steelers a player that will contribute for seasons to come (DK Metcalf, Jalen Ramsey) or most being one-year deals to maintain flexibility moving forward.
Either way, until the Steelers get their next great quarterback, expect Khan to continue riding this line. Once they get that quarterback, whoever it is, that's when you'll see the Steelers truly go all in.
MORE STEELERS
• More on the future of the quarterback position: The door is certainly open for Rodgers to return in 2026 if he wants to play again. There have been no formal talks about any reunion, as the Steelers never negotiate contract extensions in the middle of the season. But, everyone on the inside -- and I mean everyone -- is head over heels with what Rodgers has brought to the team this season. If he were to have a desire to play again in 2026, the Steelers would have him back in a heartbeat, which would give any potential first-round quarterback the opportunity to sit and learn behind one of the all-time greats. If Patrick Mahomes can sit and learn for a season, so can any quarterback drafted to be the franchise guy moving forward.
• Regarding any speculation that Rooney is strong-arming Khan into hoarding picks to go make a move for a quarterback just so the Steelers can have a memorable first night of the draft in their own backyard, just stop it. It's simply not true. One thing I know for sure: Khan won't pick a quarterback until they are absolutely sure he's truly the guy. If that means a quarterback doesn't work out in 2026, then so be it. They'll have the capital to potentially have a great class. But, Khan isn't going to take a quarterback just to take one.
In other words: It will not be a Kenny Pickett situation again.
• In addition to wide receivers, the Steelers engaged in the trade market for defensive line depth. He wasn't nearly as aggressive in trying to acquire a defensive lineman, but still felt the position needed more depth given the attrition they've dealt with this season. It's no coincidence that they snagged Brodric Martin-Rhodes from the Chiefs' practice squad.
• Regarding the potential compensatory picks in 2026, the Steelers are currently operating with the expectation of receiving three picks. They fear Brandin Echols' play -- both in snap count and performance -- could eliminate a pick they could potentially receive for either Donte Jackson or James Daniels. Both player would likely net no better than a sixth-round pick.
As far as the three picks they hope to get, based on what Khan and the rest of the front office know about the compensatory formula, they expect a third-round pick for Dan Moore Jr., a fourth-round pick for Justin Fields and either a fifth- or sixth-round pick for Russell Wilson. With playing time being a key factor in the comp pick formula, any of these picks are subject to change based on what happens over the second half of the season. Basically, the more these guys play, the better the chance the Steelers receive the picks they're expecting.
• The Steelers will be hosting Asante Samuel Jr. for a free-agent visit next week. As ever, Khan is open to any avenue to improve the roster. They'll get a much better feel for Samuel after having a chance to take a closer look at the medicals and have a talk with him.
• DeShon Elliott has not been ruled out for the season by doctors. However, there is not a lot of optimism that he'll return before the playoffs. If we see Elliott again this season, it'll likely be the wild-card round at the absolute earliest.
This situation is fluid, as is any recovery from an injury. And knowing Elliott's drive to be on the field, he's going to do everything he possibly can to play again this season. But, as of now, there is not a lot of optimism internally that he'll be back before the end of the regular season.
• I saw Miles Killebrew on the South Side today. He was in good spirits. Needed crutches to get around while having a large brace on his right knee. But, his presence in the locker room is quite clear. Teammates didn’t stop coming over to him while the media was in the locker room prior to practice. He’s earned a lot of respect in that room.
THE ASYLUM
Friday Insider: What happened (and why) at trade deadline
Omar Khan went into the trade deadline doing what he could to improve the 2025 Steelers. The goal, as always in Pittsburgh, is to win the Super Bowl.
However, the goal isn't to try to win a Super Bowl just this season. Khan knows championships are won when the team is built through the draft. So, heading into a draft in which the Steelers have a lot of capital, he wasn't about to give away those assets to make 2025 the "all in" season that so many believe it is.
That being said, according to a source, the Steelers offered the Saints the same package as the Seahawks for wide receiver Rashid Shaheed -- a fourth- and fifth-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Shaheed preferred to go to Seattle to reunite with offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, whom he played under last season in New Orleans, so the Saints accepted the package that honored their player's wishes. The Steelers also were very much involved in the Jakobi Meyers sweepstakes. Though the exact offer isn't known, what I do know is a similar offer was made to what the Jaguars paid the Raiders, a fourth- and sixth-round pick in 2026.
That kind of stuff happens throughout the trade deadline. Moves are close to being done, and sometimes are even thought to be done, but fall apart at the last minute. In addition, Khan had another deal in place for a wide receiver that wound up not being dealt at all, with the other team opting to pull out of the deal with a short amount of time remaining ahead of the deadline.
So, yes, Khan was willing to part with future assets to help the team now. He has stated multiple times on the record that he is always seeking ways to improve the team. And, let's not forget that Khan did address a need the week prior by acquiring Kyle Dugger from the Patriots that included a swap of sixth- and seventh-round picks, a move that paid immediate dividends as Dugger helped solidify a secondary that was bleeding in last Sunday's 27-20 win over the Colts.
But, Khan was willing to only go so far. He probably could have wowed the Saints or Raiders and offered a third-round pick, which likely would have landed either Shaheed or Meyers. After all, the Steelers already have two third-rounders in the bank (their own and Dallas' pick from the George Pickens trade), and could wind up with another third-round pick if Dan Moore Jr. plays enough this season to meet the necessary requirements in the overly-complicated compensatory pick formula.
However, first-round picks were off the table. As were second- and third-round picks, unless they would have brought back something that would have completely blown the Steelers away. There was also no consideration to trade current players on the roster, though teams did call about Alex Highsmith. Khan wasn't willing to make any move that made one position better but weakened another. If a move was going to be made, it was going to make the 2025 team better. And, giving away assets for a return that isn't guaranteed to provide any return beyond 2025 was also something Khan really didn't want to do. Thus, the most valuable assets -- Day 1-2 picks -- were not about to be included in any potential trade.
After writing a column on why I believed the Steelers ultimately stood pat at the deadline, outside of the Dugger trade, this week confirmed what I've been saying for months: It's all about a long-term plan at quarterback on the South Side.
This remains paramount to Khan. I have been reporting this for months. While he wants to do everything he can to improve the team now, it was confirmed to me this week that being positioned to possibly get the next long-term quarterback as soon as next year's draft is the franchise's top priority. Khan has a long-term vision for sustainable competition, and he knows that having a legitimate franchise quarterback is not a luxury, but a requirement.
This is a difficult line to ride. Khan has to balance the directive from Art Rooney II to try and win a Super Bowl every season. And nobody's going to tell Mike Tomlin to take his foot off the gas in that endeavor, either. And even with the moves that have been made this season, they've either given the Steelers a player that will contribute for seasons to come (DK Metcalf, Jalen Ramsey) or most being one-year deals to maintain flexibility moving forward.
Either way, until the Steelers get their next great quarterback, expect Khan to continue riding this line. Once they get that quarterback, whoever it is, that's when you'll see the Steelers truly go all in.
MORE STEELERS
• More on the future of the quarterback position: The door is certainly open for Rodgers to return in 2026 if he wants to play again. There have been no formal talks about any reunion, as the Steelers never negotiate contract extensions in the middle of the season. But, everyone on the inside -- and I mean everyone -- is head over heels with what Rodgers has brought to the team this season. If he were to have a desire to play again in 2026, the Steelers would have him back in a heartbeat, which would give any potential first-round quarterback the opportunity to sit and learn behind one of the all-time greats. If Patrick Mahomes can sit and learn for a season, so can any quarterback drafted to be the franchise guy moving forward.
• Regarding any speculation that Rooney is strong-arming Khan into hoarding picks to go make a move for a quarterback just so the Steelers can have a memorable first night of the draft in their own backyard, just stop it. It's simply not true. One thing I know for sure: Khan won't pick a quarterback until they are absolutely sure he's truly the guy. If that means a quarterback doesn't work out in 2026, then so be it. They'll have the capital to potentially have a great class. But, Khan isn't going to take a quarterback just to take one.
In other words: It will not be a Kenny Pickett situation again.
• In addition to wide receivers, the Steelers engaged in the trade market for defensive line depth. He wasn't nearly as aggressive in trying to acquire a defensive lineman, but still felt the position needed more depth given the attrition they've dealt with this season. It's no coincidence that they snagged Brodric Martin-Rhodes from the Chiefs' practice squad.
• Regarding the potential compensatory picks in 2026, the Steelers are currently operating with the expectation of receiving three picks. They fear Brandin Echols' play -- both in snap count and performance -- could eliminate a pick they could potentially receive for either Donte Jackson or James Daniels. Both player would likely net no better than a sixth-round pick.
As far as the three picks they hope to get, based on what Khan and the rest of the front office know about the compensatory formula, they expect a third-round pick for Dan Moore Jr., a fourth-round pick for Justin Fields and either a fifth- or sixth-round pick for Russell Wilson. With playing time being a key factor in the comp pick formula, any of these picks are subject to change based on what happens over the second half of the season. Basically, the more these guys play, the better the chance the Steelers receive the picks they're expecting.
• The Steelers will be hosting Asante Samuel Jr. for a free-agent visit next week. As ever, Khan is open to any avenue to improve the roster. They'll get a much better feel for Samuel after having a chance to take a closer look at the medicals and have a talk with him.
• DeShon Elliott has not been ruled out for the season by doctors. However, there is not a lot of optimism that he'll return before the playoffs. If we see Elliott again this season, it'll likely be the wild-card round at the absolute earliest.
This situation is fluid, as is any recovery from an injury. And knowing Elliott's drive to be on the field, he's going to do everything he possibly can to play again this season. But, as of now, there is not a lot of optimism internally that he'll be back before the end of the regular season.
• I saw Miles Killebrew on the South Side today. He was in good spirits. Needed crutches to get around while having a large brace on his right knee. But, his presence in the locker room is quite clear. Teammates didn’t stop coming over to him while the media was in the locker room prior to practice. He’s earned a lot of respect in that room.
Want to participate in our comments?
Want an ad-free experience?
Become a member, and enjoy premium benefits!
We’d love to have you!