The Pittsburgh Steelers appear to be stuck in their age-old free agency ways. That was until general manager Omar Khan burst onto the scene.
The new NFL season unofficially kicked off on Monday afternoon, and the Pittsburgh Steelers got right to work. The team has made a habit of moving early in the offseason, but general manager Omar Khan deserves credit for his new approach.
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The Steelers likely won’t pursue the biggest names in free agency like Malik Willis or Alec Pierce. However, Khan has made it clear that he won’t simply buy from free agent bargains.
Pittsburgh Steelers general manager Omar Khan during the 2025 NFL Draft on April 24, 2025. —Ed Thompson/Steelers Now
Similar approach, redesigned formula
Last season, Khan traded for DK Metcalf before the new league year and immediately signed a new contract with him. This year, he followed a similar playbook with Michael Pittman Jr., but with a much lower deal cost.
The Steelers didn’t just address the tight and wide receiver room; they also revamped the secondary. During the legal tampering, Khan signed former Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Jamel Dean to a three-year contract.
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Dean was outstanding last season, scoring just one touchdown. He will turn 30 this year, but this signing is different from moves the Steelers have made for veterans like Darius Slay or Patrick Peterson.
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf (14) passes Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Patrick Peterson (20) during the first half of an NFL football game on Sunday, December 31, 2023, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsay Watson)
Take losses and build on wins
Khan has shown not only a willingness to take risks, but also a willingness to admit mistakes. The idea of signing a veteran who might have a little bit left over clearly doesn’t work for Peterson or Slay.
Instead, Khan is targeting young talent who still have a productive future. He also appears to have finally addressed the lack of proven talent in the receiving room except for one player.
On January 12, 2026, Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers was hit by Houston Texans rusher Danielle Hunter while passing the ball. – Ed Thompson/Steelers Now
Quarterback remains the biggest question. There are signs that the Steelers are going to come back with Aaron Rodgers, but nothing is guaranteed at this stage. Khan could still move in a different direction, or at least work toward a longer-term solution.
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Regardless, Khan continues to improve and doesn’t seem afraid to admit his mistakes. He’ll keep swinging — but he may be looking for a different throw this time.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Omar Khan’s path to free agency still a breath of fresh air
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