Why The Steelers Future Seems To Be In The Right Hands

The Steelers’ lack of real success over the better part of the last decade can be attributed to failures at every level. However, that failure ultimately trickles down from the top of the organization. Toward the end of Kevin Colbert’s tenure, the Steelers’ talent acquisition was lackluster at best, culminating in a draft class that set the team back rather than leaving a parting gift in the form of a franchise quarterback.

That said, based on the past two off-seasons, the Steelers may have finally found a leadership duo capable of restoring the franchise to where it belongs.

The turn of the tide

Pro Market:

Since Omar Khan and Andy Weidl took over the two most crucial front-office roles, there has been a noticeable uptick in the caliber of both incoming and outgoing players on the pro side of the roster. For a franchise long known for being “cheap” and primarily making moves around the margins, the new Steelers regime has ushered in a shift toward investing more resources in strengthening the roster through free agency and trades.

In just two offseasons, Khan has made significant additions in free agency, including Super Bowl champion Isaac Seumalo in 2023 and All-Pro linebacker Patrick Queen in 2024, whose three-year, $41 million contract is by far the largest outside free-agent signing in Steelers history. Beyond these marquee acquisitions, the Steelers have also found success with under-the-radar moves. Signings like Elandon Roberts and DeShon Elliott have proven to be excellent value, as both have exceeded expectations and become key contributors to the team.

With hindsight being 20/20, it’s clear that the quarterback room inherited from the previous regime was inadequate. The way Omar Khan managed to overhaul that group serves as a prime example of the mindset he brings to the front office. Moving on from the once-hopeful franchise quarterback Kenny Pickett, capitalizing on the opportunity to sign former star Russell Wilson, and trading for the high-upside Justin Fields all indicate a willingness to take multiple swings at the position until it’s solidified.

Even though neither Wilson nor Fields is guaranteed to be the long-term answer, the ambition shown in these moves signals a more aggressive approach from the Steelers’ front office—something that bodes well for the team’s future.

Draft Selections:

At the time of both drafts, the Steelers’ 2023 and 2024 classes received widespread praise—and for good reason. Not only has the majority of the talent begun to shine through, but the ideology implemented by Andy Weidl closely resembles that of the Super Bowl champion Eagles.

The NFL is trending toward a trenches-first approach, and the Steelers have followed suit, using first and second round picks in both drafts on offensive and defensive linemen. While Troy Fautanu’s rookie season was essentially redshirted due to injuries and Broderick Jones experienced some growing pains, there’s still a strong chance they’ve secured their bookend tackles for the next five-plus years. Meanwhile, both second-round picks—Zach Frazier and Keeanu Benton—have already proven to be starting-caliber players, with Frazier showing the potential to be even more.

Outside of the trenches, the Steelers have found key contributors in the second, third, and fourth rounds, creating cost-controlled starters and valuable depth—both crucial in today’s NFL. Landing a potential CB1 in Joey Porter Jr. in the second round was a major win, and additional selections such as Darnell Washington, Nick Herbig, Payton Wilson, and Mason McCormick, along with undrafted free agent Beanie Bishop, have already made meaningful contributions early in their careers.

Beyond the proven talent, players like Cory Trice and Roman Wilson are expected to follow in the footsteps of their fellow draft class members, potentially developing into reliable depth pieces for the future.

The Negatives

Broderick Jones’ underwhelming second season as a pro could be seen as a blemish on the front office’s record, especially given the investment made to trade up for him in the first round. However, with only a two-year sample size, it’s still too early to draw definitive conclusions about his long-term trajectory.

The biggest blemish, however, was the lack of a contingency plan at the wide receiver position after their failed attempt to trade for Brandon Aiyuk. This misstep was evident on the field, as only George Pickens looked like a legitimate NFL starter on the outside, effectively capping the offense’s potential. Failing to address such a crucial position—one that continues to grow in importance in today’s NFL—was a significant roster-building malpractice by the front office.

What this means?

As stated before, the two-year sample size is still too small to definitively crown the new regime led by Khan and Weidl. However, their early aggressive tendencies provide Steelers fans with hope that this front office won’t simply stick to the status quo—an essential trait for building a contender in today’s NFL.

How do you feel about Khan and Weidl’s tenure as the leaders of the Steelers’ front office so far? Has their approach instilled confidence that they can construct a championship-caliber roster?