Steelers' Omar Khan "Has Not Said No" To Arthur Smith When Landing Players

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been looking for a big offensive boost for a while now. Some progress was made in Week 4, as they were able to move the ball consistently during their game in Ireland. However, they are still left with more questions than answers after the bye week, as numerous players were expected to be key contributors, but have barely done anything so far in the 2025 season thus far. Will those trends continue, or will these hidden playmakers make themselves known in the next few weeks? 

While making an appearance on 93.7 The Fan, insider Ray Fittipaldo was asked about some of the personnel decisions that Pittsburgh made recently -- primarily at tight end. While trying to explain the process, he dropped an interesting tidbit about General Manager Omar Khan.

"Sometimes this happens with [offensive coordinators]: they come in, they have a way of constructing an offense," Fittipaldo said. "They have their types of guys that they like. They haven't been shy -- Omar [Khan] has not said no to Arthur Smith to my knowledge. Arthur wanted Cordarrelle Patterson, he wanted Van Jefferson. He wanted all these guys he's brought in. Jonnu Smith, most definitely Jonnu Smith. Strangely, he hasn't used him yet either."

Obviously, every general manager wants to do everything they can to set the team up for success. In this case, he has reportedly given Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith all these different pieces that he wanted since he was hired in 2024. However, many of these acquisitions have not been real factors in these games, despite being given roles necessary to do so. 

Running back Cordarrelle Patterson was utilized quite a bit early on in the 2024 season, but he suffered an injury in Week 4, and that is what essentially ended his role in the offense. His struggles in the return game did not help either. Despite Smith wanting one of his weapons from the Atlanta Falcons back, Patterson was released shortly after training camp started in 2025.

With how weak the Steelers' receiving core has been, Van Jefferson was seen as a starting wide receiver in 2024. However, he only had 24 receptions despite playing in all 17 games and starting 12 of them. His contract was not renewed after that campaign, and he is now riding the bench for the Tennessee Titans as they also struggle to get a consistent passing game going. 

Steelers' Latest Acquisition To Appease Smith Has Not Gone Well

While Jonnu Smith was not the primary piece of the trade the Steelers made with the Miami Dolphins earlier this offseason, he was still a player that Arthur Smith strongly requested. 2025 was the second time that he traded for the tight end, and the third time that he has been a coach for him in some capacity. He is even listed as a co-starter at the tight end position on the depth chart for the Steelers.

Despite that, Jonnu Smith has slowly been getting less snaps and fewer receptions with each passing week. He was practically benched in Week 4, because the gameplan revolved around big blockers, and the ninth-year player has never really excelled as a run blocker. However, that is the Steelers' primary offensive identity, so this could be more of a trend than just a one-time issue for Smith.

Smith and Pat Freiermuth, who also has not seen the field often in 2025, are primarily big receivers that can exploit the middle of the field and get plenty of red zone targets. Unfortunately, the Steelers have seemed to consciously avoid that part of the field since well before Arthur Smith was hired. The offensive coordinator might get the players he knows and likes, but it means nothing if Pittsburgh can't do anything with them.

What do you think about Khan supposedly giving Smith everything he wants, as well as the lack of usage of those specific players? Let us know in the comments or on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.

#SteelerNation