Pittsburgh Steelers' new GM Omar Khan has gotten the offseason off to a great start. If fans had been lulled into some complacency the past several years by former GM Kevin Colbert's restraint, they are awake now. This has been the most exciting start to free agency the team has had in a while.
Maya Giron/Post-Gazette
Pittsburgh Steelers owner Art Rooney II and Omar Khan stand together at a press conference announcing Khan's new position as the team's general manager on May 27, 2022.
After all, Khan did kind of get us with the "Jedi mind trick" at the end of 2022 when he told fans not to expect much change, despite saying he has his own ideas. Most fans would agree that this offseason has had a different feel so far.
Now as we approach the 2023 NFL Draft, it feels like the team is coming together. It was quite evident during 2022 that the Steelers had the majority of the components they needed to be successful, but they were missing the "glue" that holds those pieces together. That glue is primarily the men in the trenches. It seemed clear that we needed to upgrade both our offensive and defensive lines. Without that foundation, it doesn't always matter how good your receiver or EDGE rusher is, they don't get enough time or chances to perform.
During the 2022 offseason, fans and analysts expressed frustration over the minimal amount of support brought in to shore up those lines. Now, it feels like validation as the team has sought reinforcements. The biggest moves include signing linebackers Elandon Roberts and Cole Holcomb, guard Nate Herbig, and cornerback Patrick Peterson. They also re-signed safety Damontae Kazee and defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi.
Steelers.com
Pittsburgh Steelers free agency signing, Nate Herbig speaks to the media about joining the team.
Steelers’ Omar Khan Tells Max Starks Free Agency Isn't Over Yet
Now Khan has sat down with Steelers' former offensive tackle and newest member of Pittsburgh's media team, Max Starks, to talk about the offseason. He begins by asking Khan how he feels the offseason is going so far.
"I'd say right now, I feel pretty good about where we're at, we've done some cool things, added some good players to the mix and I look forward to seeing those guys play on Sundays."
Starks mentions that we are about three weeks into free agency and the draft is looming. He asked Khan about the Steelers' plans going forward.
"So I can tell you, Max, free agency is not over. You know there's a lot of good players still out there and we continue that evaluation process, continue to have conversations with several guys. You'll see over the next few weeks more guys might become available and I will stay ahead of that and April 27th will be here before you know it."
Gene J. Puskar, AP
Former Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle, Max Starks.
Starks picks up on the draft thread and the wind-down of free agency to ask what the primary focus is from now until the draft, and what targets are they looking to hit.
"Like I mentioned, [the NFL Draft will] be here before we know it and you know we have 30 visits, pro days just ended, we continue to evaluate free agency and the very important coaches meetings will start in a couple of weeks. But we'll be ready. I'm excited, I wish it was tomorrow."
What do you think about the job Khan has done taking over for Colbert? What do you think about the free agency acquisitions the Steelers have made so far this offseason? Are there any remaining free agents that you think the team should be targeting? Click to comment below.
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