Pittsburgh Steelers General Manager Omar Khan has managed to do the almost impossible by setting the team up for the future while also improving the roster for the 2025 season. Many Steelers fans had expected this year to be a full rebuild, but Khan saw opportunities to do both. With 12 projected draft picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Steelers are building long-term assets while also putting together a team that could compete right away.
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Steelers’ General Manager Omar Khan intently making a crucial phone call during the intensity of draft night, coordinating key decisions to shape the future of the franchise.
Even after an aggressive and productive offseason, the Steelers still have room to make a few key additions. The roster is in a much better position than it was at the end of 2024, but questions remain at wide receiver and at safety. If Khan wants to truly maximize the team’s potential heading into the 2025 season, one or two more moves could make all the difference.
Bleacher Report analyst Kristopher Knox believes Khan should make two final additions to complete the puzzle. Knox specifically named wide receiver Amari Cooper and safety Justin Simmons as ideal targets.
Cooper would bring veteran leadership and consistent production to a wide receiver room that could really use a true number two, while Simmons could give the Steelers a steady, playmaking presence in the secondary. If Khan can land either player, it could turn an already strong offseason into a franchise-defining one.
"Two years ago, Cooper caught 72 passes for 1,250 yards and five touchdowns en route to his fifth Pro Bowl selection," Knox said. "He might not be able to replicate that success, but he should be able to provide more than he did in 2024. Cooper would be a sensible target for the Pittsburgh Steelers, who are going all-in on the 2025 season with quarterback Aaron Rodgers."
Cooper was a star with the Cleveland Browns during the 2023 season, but his 2024 campaign was a bit more challenging. Still, Knox believes the 31-year-old wide receiver would be the perfect complement to DK Metcalf.
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Cleveland Browns wide receiver Amari Cooper is brought down by a Pittsburgh Steelers defender during a 2022 regular season matchup, following a reception in one of the NFL’s most intense divisional rivalries.
The price to land the free-agent wideout remains a bit of a mystery, but Spotrac lists his market value at $18.9 million per year. While that figure may seem high, it could be worth the investment to give Aaron Rodgers another reliable veteran weapon. As for Simmons, Knox pointed out that he wants to sign with a contender for the 2025 season.
"Pittsburgh is hoping to be a contender this year, but Simmons would be a sensible target for the Steelers," Knox said. "They traded away standout safety Minkah Fitzpatrick in the deal that brought Ramsey and tight end Jonnu Smith to Pittsburgh."
Khan made a major splash this offseason by trading star safety Minkah Fitzpatrick back to the Miami Dolphins in exchange for cornerback Jalen Ramsey and tight end Jonnu Smith. The move was widely seen as a win for the Steelers, giving them two proven veterans to fill key positions. However, the departure of Fitzpatrick left a noticeable gap in the safety room, and that is exactly why Knox believes Khan should consider signing Simmons.
Steelers Have The Money To Sign Both Cooper And Simmons
Simmons, one of the top remaining free agents, carries a projected market value of just $5.7 million per year. The Steelers still have enough cap space to afford both Simmons and Cooper if they choose to go all in. Making those final additions could take an already successful offseason and elevate it to one of the best in recent franchise history, at least on paper.
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Justin Simmons reacts to a call during a Denver Broncos game.
Of course, none of these moves will truly matter unless the Steelers can finally end their playoff drought. Mike Tomlin has yet to win a postseason game since 2016, and fans are growing impatient. Still, adding veterans like Simmons and Cooper would significantly improve the roster and give Pittsburgh a much better shot at breaking through in 2025.
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