The Pittsburgh Steelers replaced longstanding General Manager Kevin Colbert with Omar Khan in late May 2022. Now, Khan has made some very critical decisions, and while he’s shown flashes of bold leadership, he has also faced his fair share of criticism. In Pittsburgh, many still trust Khan's vision, believing his aggressive approach could help modernize the organization and push it back into serious contention. But around the league, opinions are more divided.
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Steelers General Manager Omar Khan talks on the phone during a practice in the Steel City.
Khan has made several headline-grabbing moves since taking over. Trading Diontae Johnson raised eyebrows, but sending George Pickens out just a season later shocked fans and analysts alike.
Perhaps the boldest move of all was the high-stakes trade with the Seattle Seahawks to acquire DK Metcalf, signaling Khan’s desire to reshape the offense with a more physically dominant receiver. These aren’t the kinds of moves Pittsburgh has been known for historically, but Khan has clearly departed from the franchise’s more conservative past.
Despite these major swings, Khan’s biggest question mark remains at quarterback. The team has yet to commit to a long-term solution under center, and that uncertainty has fueled criticism.
Popular media personality Colin Cowherd recently revealed on his podcast that Khan isn’t viewed as a top-tier general manager by many league insiders. With quarterback questions looming and the season approaching, Khan’s next few decisions may ultimately define how he’s judged—both in Pittsburgh and across the NFL.
"It's almost as if I can't quite figure the Steelers out," Cowherd said. "They want character, but nobody's had more divas and high-maintenance offensive guys than the Steelers. They want to win, but then they don't take care of the number one position. I feel like there's a messaging issue in the building. And Omar Khan, my sources don't consider him a great general manager."
That last sentiment from Cowherd is particularly revealing. When Cowherd says Khan isn’t viewed as a great general manager, he’s sharing what he hears from people who matter across the NFL. These are executives, scouts, and insiders who evaluate talent and leadership without any bias toward the Steelers.
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Steelers' Omar Khan shakes hands with Mike Tomlin during the 2025 NFL Draft.
While Khan is still in the early stages of his tenure and has time to grow, it's telling that the narrative outside of Pittsburgh isn’t overwhelmingly positive. From a national perspective, there’s a clear sense of hesitation about whether he has what it takes to lead the Steelers back to true contender status.
Khan has certainly made bold and headline-grabbing moves. Trading Johnson and then moving Pickens a season later showed a willingness to overhaul the receiving corps. His deal with the Seahawks to bring in Metcalf was one of the more aggressive moves the franchise has made in recent memory and all time.
These kinds of decisions reflect a shift away from the traditionally conservative approach the Steelers have taken in the past. However, while he’s taken big swings, he hasn’t properly addressed the quarterback situation. That lingering issue is likely a major reason why some around the league remain skeptical of his overall vision and ability to build a complete and consistent roster.
Steelers' Omar Khan Still Working To Prove Himself In The NFL
The timing of some of Khan’s decisions has also come under scrutiny. The choice to trade Pickens when he did felt questionable. It immediately brought the Steelers back to the same problem they faced the year before: lacking reliable weapons at wide receiver.
After spending an entire offseason trying to fix that issue in 2024, only to be right back at square one in 2025, it’s fair to wonder if there is a clear plan in place. The problem isn’t necessarily with the trades themselves, but with how and when they happen. These are the details that matter most to people watching from the outside, and they play a big role in shaping how Khan is perceived around the league.
Matt Freed / Post-Gazette
Steelers' Omar Khan speaks to the media.
There are rumors that Khan isn’t done and is actively involved in trade discussions for a star wide receiver. If he manages to pull off that kind of move, it would be seen as a major win in the eyes of many. It could help shift the narrative surrounding his tenure and restore confidence in the direction he's trying to take the team.
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