Quarterback decision drives Khan's push for scoring
Believe it or not, those who make decisions for the Steelers are just as frustrated as the fan base is for the run of eight straight seasons without a playoff win. The question for this offseason is how and what the team can do to end this streak and get back to competing for Super Bowls.
The plan starts with getting the quarterback situation resolved -- promptly.
Before Omar Khan answered any questions from reporters inside a hotel in Indianapolis, he started off by addressing the way the season ended, including the five-game losing streak.
"Obviously, it was disappointing. The way we ended, it was unacceptable," Khan said. "We know we have to be better. People expect better. We expect better. That can't happen again. I'm just as disappointed as everyone else, and I can tell you we're working hard to fix that and make sure it doesn't happen again."
The plan to reshape the roster, specifically on offense, starts with the Steelers' quarterback situation. Khan reinforced what Art Rooney II told reporters in January that ideally they'll re-sign either Russell Wilson or Justin Fields. Khan said they've had conversations with both Wilson's and Fields' representation and firmly believes there's a mutual desire for a reunion with either quarterback.
Khan didn't tip his hand on who they may actually prefer between Wilson and Fields, only saying that it was a "positive experience" with the quarterback room in 2024. Either way, this is something they want to have as quickly as possible.
"It's an ideal scenario, you'd like to have this done before the start of the league year," Khan said.
And, in case negotiations with Wilson and Fields fall through, Khan is hastily turning over every stone. That may or may not include Matthew Stafford, who has the Rams' permission to negotiate contracts with other teams.
"Until we have someone under contract, all options have to be on the table," Khan said.
Prioritizing quarterback isn't breaking news. It's the most important position in football. But, the manner in which Khan and the Steelers are attacking this offseason is encouraging. Until a quarterback is under contract, it leaves the rest of the roster in question. And, it handcuffs their ability to make any significant moves elsewhere, regardless of the projected $60.3 million in cap space.
"That impacts who you sign," Khan said. "It impacts the type of receiver you may go after or how you build the rest of the team."
Wide receiver is a huge need for the Steelers. They have George Pickens, who's more than capable of being a legitimate number one guy, maybe even a Pro Bowler. But he's going into the last year of his rookie contract. Calvin Austin III took a nice step forward in 2024, but he's ideally nothing more than a No. 3 guy on the depth chart. Roman Wilson is intriguing, but he's unproven after being unofficially red-shirted as a rookie due to multiple injuries.
The Steelers need to upgrade at receiver. Khan knows that.
"It's obviously a priority," Khan said. "I'm not going to run from that. That's just a reality. We have some guys that are free agents. And, we weren't good enough at that position. We'll look at everything."
This isn't a ground-breaking approach, but it is an encouraging one. While Khan said he's pleased with Arthur Smith and believes he works well with what they want to do offensively, he was blunt with his analysis of the 2024 offense.
"Overall, we just weren't good enough," Khan said. "In 2025 football, you've got to score a lot of points. And we didn't score enough points. There's a lot of reasons for that, and we just got to be better."
Khan later added, "Based on how the season ended last year, the reality is we've got to get more playmakers. I think we all recognize that. This process starts now."
The Steelers have a ton of cap space with an ability to create quite a bit more. There's an urgency from Khan to upgrade the receiver room, but he knows the options will be limited until they get their quarterback. And, especially after what went down last year with the Brandon-Aiyuk-or-bust approach, they need to be able to go after any option before them.
At running back, Khan said the team plans place a tender on Jaylen Warren in restricted free agency, and expects him to remain in Pittsburgh. The team's also had conversations with Najee Harris about a potential reunion. And, Khan called this year's crop of running back prospects an "exciting group." The draft is a great place to add a potential playmaker at running back, maybe even by drafting two of them.
But, it all doesn't matter, especially in free agency, without a quarterback. Receivers need to know who's throwing them the football.
"We have to resolve the quarterback situation," Khan said. "Once we get that resolved, we'll do our best to help surround that person with the right pieces to make Arthur's job a lot easier."
Hearing the general manager of the team be forthright with the offense, needing to score points -- this franchise needs more of that. Obviously, they need a quarterback more than anything. And, for reasons beyond their control, the next franchise guy likely won't be acquired this offseason, whether it's re-signing Fields or taking any of the quarterbacks in the upcoming draft.
But, when asked if the team's satisfied with the return on investment regarding the team having the highest-paid defense in the league, Khan was succinct and blunt in his response.
"We didn't win a playoff game this year," he said. "So, definitely not satisfied with where we're at."
If you're looking for a glimmer of hope, it's right there in that response.
Want to participate in our comments?
Want an ad-free experience?
Become a member, and enjoy premium benefits! Make your voice heard on the Steelers, Penguins and Pirates, and hear right back from tens of thousands of fellow Pittsburgh sports fans worldwide! Plus, access all our premium content, including Dejan Kovacevic columns, Friday Insider, daily Live Qs with the staff, more! And yeah, that's right, no ads at all!
THE ASYLUM
Chris Halicke
5:26 pm - 02.25.2025IndianapolisQuarterback decision drives Khan's push for scoring
Believe it or not, those who make decisions for the Steelers are just as frustrated as the fan base is for the run of eight straight seasons without a playoff win. The question for this offseason is how and what the team can do to end this streak and get back to competing for Super Bowls.
The plan starts with getting the quarterback situation resolved -- promptly.
Before Omar Khan answered any questions from reporters inside a hotel in Indianapolis, he started off by addressing the way the season ended, including the five-game losing streak.
"Obviously, it was disappointing. The way we ended, it was unacceptable," Khan said. "We know we have to be better. People expect better. We expect better. That can't happen again. I'm just as disappointed as everyone else, and I can tell you we're working hard to fix that and make sure it doesn't happen again."
The plan to reshape the roster, specifically on offense, starts with the Steelers' quarterback situation. Khan reinforced what Art Rooney II told reporters in January that ideally they'll re-sign either Russell Wilson or Justin Fields. Khan said they've had conversations with both Wilson's and Fields' representation and firmly believes there's a mutual desire for a reunion with either quarterback.
Khan didn't tip his hand on who they may actually prefer between Wilson and Fields, only saying that it was a "positive experience" with the quarterback room in 2024. Either way, this is something they want to have as quickly as possible.
"It's an ideal scenario, you'd like to have this done before the start of the league year," Khan said.
And, in case negotiations with Wilson and Fields fall through, Khan is hastily turning over every stone. That may or may not include Matthew Stafford, who has the Rams' permission to negotiate contracts with other teams.
"Until we have someone under contract, all options have to be on the table," Khan said.
Prioritizing quarterback isn't breaking news. It's the most important position in football. But, the manner in which Khan and the Steelers are attacking this offseason is encouraging. Until a quarterback is under contract, it leaves the rest of the roster in question. And, it handcuffs their ability to make any significant moves elsewhere, regardless of the projected $60.3 million in cap space.
"That impacts who you sign," Khan said. "It impacts the type of receiver you may go after or how you build the rest of the team."
Wide receiver is a huge need for the Steelers. They have George Pickens, who's more than capable of being a legitimate number one guy, maybe even a Pro Bowler. But he's going into the last year of his rookie contract. Calvin Austin III took a nice step forward in 2024, but he's ideally nothing more than a No. 3 guy on the depth chart. Roman Wilson is intriguing, but he's unproven after being unofficially red-shirted as a rookie due to multiple injuries.
The Steelers need to upgrade at receiver. Khan knows that.
"It's obviously a priority," Khan said. "I'm not going to run from that. That's just a reality. We have some guys that are free agents. And, we weren't good enough at that position. We'll look at everything."
This isn't a ground-breaking approach, but it is an encouraging one. While Khan said he's pleased with Arthur Smith and believes he works well with what they want to do offensively, he was blunt with his analysis of the 2024 offense.
"Overall, we just weren't good enough," Khan said. "In 2025 football, you've got to score a lot of points. And we didn't score enough points. There's a lot of reasons for that, and we just got to be better."
Khan later added, "Based on how the season ended last year, the reality is we've got to get more playmakers. I think we all recognize that. This process starts now."
The Steelers have a ton of cap space with an ability to create quite a bit more. There's an urgency from Khan to upgrade the receiver room, but he knows the options will be limited until they get their quarterback. And, especially after what went down last year with the Brandon-Aiyuk-or-bust approach, they need to be able to go after any option before them.
At running back, Khan said the team plans place a tender on Jaylen Warren in restricted free agency, and expects him to remain in Pittsburgh. The team's also had conversations with Najee Harris about a potential reunion. And, Khan called this year's crop of running back prospects an "exciting group." The draft is a great place to add a potential playmaker at running back, maybe even by drafting two of them.
But, it all doesn't matter, especially in free agency, without a quarterback. Receivers need to know who's throwing them the football.
"We have to resolve the quarterback situation," Khan said. "Once we get that resolved, we'll do our best to help surround that person with the right pieces to make Arthur's job a lot easier."
Hearing the general manager of the team be forthright with the offense, needing to score points -- this franchise needs more of that. Obviously, they need a quarterback more than anything. And, for reasons beyond their control, the next franchise guy likely won't be acquired this offseason, whether it's re-signing Fields or taking any of the quarterbacks in the upcoming draft.
But, when asked if the team's satisfied with the return on investment regarding the team having the highest-paid defense in the league, Khan was succinct and blunt in his response.
"We didn't win a playoff game this year," he said. "So, definitely not satisfied with where we're at."
If you're looking for a glimmer of hope, it's right there in that response.
Want to participate in our comments?
Want an ad-free experience?
Become a member, and enjoy premium benefits! Make your voice heard on the Steelers, Penguins and Pirates, and hear right back from tens of thousands of fellow Pittsburgh sports fans worldwide! Plus, access all our premium content, including Dejan Kovacevic columns, Friday Insider, daily Live Qs with the staff, more! And yeah, that's right, no ads at all!
We’d love to have you!