Pittsburgh Steelers General Manager Omar Khan addressed the media at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, highlighting preparations for the upcoming NFL Draft, which will be hosted in Pittsburgh this year.
“Obviously, you guys know where the draft is this year, in Pittsburgh,” Khan said. “I can tell you the community is really excited, we’re all excited. It’s a great place to host a draft.
“I can’t wait for the rest of the world to get to know Pittsburgh a little more because it’s a special and unique place,” he added.
The Steelers are part of the National Football League and have a long history of community engagement and recognition of their key figures through initiatives such as their Hall of Honor and Hall of Honor Museum at Acrisure Stadium. These efforts are detailed on their official website and museum page. The team has also achieved six Super Bowl championships throughout its history, according to their official website.
Khan discussed the team’s financial position, stating that they are in “good cap shape,” allowing flexibility with player contracts during roster changes. “I’ll just say that nothing’s imminent,” Khan said. “We have flexibility to do some different things.
Obviously, we haven’t been in a position where we’re paying the quarterback position at the top level. We have the flexibility to do some things that might not be normal in people’s eyes.
“The key is just keeping as many of our good players under contract and locking them up. I really believe we have a good, young nucleus of guys who are deserving of second contracts.”
Regarding player development, Khan mentioned outside linebacker Nick Herbig: “He wants to play more,” Khan said. “I think we’d all like to have Nick on the field more. He’s obviously someone that we’d like to have around for a long time.
“This defense has been based on those outside pass rushers for a long time so you can’t ever have enough of them.”
Veteran players Patrick Queen and Jalen Ramsey were also highlighted by Khan for their contributions and leadership roles within the team.
“‘P.Q.’s’ been good for us,” Khan said. “I think he likes being here. We like having him part of the team. I’m excited about having him around.
“He has a unique skill set. I know he’s been in contact with the new coaches, they’re getting to know him and he’s getting to know them. It’s been a good experience and expect him to contribute.”
On Ramsey: “I can’t say enough good things about him. His approach to the game is really awesome, his preparation. His role will kind of shake out with the new coaching staff as it comes in but he’s got versatility. You can play him at corner, at nickel, safety. There’s a lot of different things you can do, you can blitz him. I know the new coaching staff is excited to work with him.
“You can’t say enough about what he did for us early in the season. He switched positions (from slot cornerback to safety). He hadn’t practiced it all spring and then he went in there and did it for us. He’s one of the most unselfish football players I’ve been around.”
Khan also addressed pending free agency decisions regarding left guard Isaac Seumalo and running back Kenny Gainwell: “Isaac’s been great, we’ve had some conversations with his people,” Khan said. “Obviously, we’ll evaluate the free agent class and the draft class.” On Gainwell: “Kenny was great to have around,” Khan said. “He knows we want him back and we’ve been in communication with his people.”
Tight end Pat Freiermuth’s future role was discussed after reduced playing time last season: “Obviously, he’s a competitor so he wants the ball, never going to question that,” Khan said. “I think he’s going to have a big part in this offense. We’re paying him for a reason so excited to have him in the mix.
“I know the new coaching staff likes him, they’re excited to work with him, he represents us well and Pat’s a Steeler.”
When asked about left tackle Broderick Jones’ recovery from injury: “It’s a good question.
“Obviously, he had a significant injury,” Khan continued. “We’re monitoring how he progresses. I know he’s working hard. It’s still early in the process but that’s certainly something that we’re monitoring.” Jones played 11 games before being sidelined due to injury; Dylan Cook replaced him during his absence.
“Dylan did a really good job for us when he had to come in, he really did,” Khan said. “I wasn’t surprised because I’ve seen his work ethic and how important it is to him. He’s a good player and he stepped in and played at a good level.”
Khan began his remarks by acknowledging former head coach Mike Tomlin:
“I haven’t had a chance to talk about him publicly, but Coach Tomlin, it’s been an honor and a privilege to have worked side by side with him with him for so long,” Khan said.”He was a great partner, always going to appreciate the times we had.
“We had a shared vision and it was great and I learned so much.”
Looking ahead at draft strategy given 12 current selections: “I don’t know if at the end of the day if we’re going to end up with 12 picks.A lot can happen between now and then.It certainly gives us options.” On wide receiver performance:”Not just the receiver room,we weren’t good enough.We didn’t win a playoff game.We didn’t reach our goal so every position group needs looked at,and if it’s not good enough we have to be better in all those groups.” Regarding quarterbacks:”You can’t hide from production.When aguy producesand he’s done it ata high level or ata big school,and winning,winnings important,you can’t deny anyofthat.” Safety DeShon Elliott’s recovery from injury was noted as progressing on schedule.Khan also expressed confidencein rookie running back Kaleb Johnsonand wide receiver Roman Wilson despite recent challenges.
