Steelers' Omar Khan Absolutely Needs To Do "A Much Better Job" Of Figuring Out 1 Key Position

The Pittsburgh Steelers tried a new strategy in the 2025 offseason in an effort to reach the Super Bowl: bringing in former elite players as it seemed like they were recreating the 2020 Pro Bowl roster. It blew up in their faces, as age and regression became more prevalent with two players getting released due to poor play and another one having to switch positions to lengthen his career and find any way to be productive. They all had one other thing in common: they all played some sort of defensive back position. 

General Manager Omar Khan and the Steelers' new coaching staff have to find a way to get better at acquiring defensive back talent, as detailed by insider Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

"The Steelers haven’t used a first-round pick on a cornerback since 2016 and they haven’t used a first-round pick on a safety since 2018," Fittipaldo said. "The Steelers have to do a much better job in identifying defensive backs in the draft and free agency. It looks like GM Omar Khan got it right when he selected Joey Porter Jr. with the first pick of the second round in the 2023 draft, but they need to surround him with better players to play alongside him. Their secondary this past season was a patchwork unit filled with aging players past their prime and castoffs from other teams."

Fittipaldo pointed to the Super Bowl LX champions, the Seattle Seahawks, as an example of how a team should build up a secondary. They used the fifth overall pick in 2023 to bring in a stud cornerback in Devon Witherspoon, as well as a very early second-round pick in 2025 for a great rookie safety in Nick Emmanwori. They have some quality signings and successful mid-round projects elsewhere too.

Meanwhile, the Steelers have only used on quality pick on a defensive back since Khan became the general manager: 2023 32nd overall pick Joey Porter Jr.. Porter has been a great addition, as he has established himself as one of, if not the best, press man corner in the NFL. He is due for an extension heading into the 2026 season, and he will likely get what he deserves.

However, the Steelers have barely addressed the position in the draft since then. The only other defensive back that they drafted after Porter was Cory Trice Jr., who fell to the seventh round of that same draft due to injury concerns. Those concerns have unfortunately come true, as he has missed two whole seasons and most of another season due to repeated health issues.

Steelers' Approach May Not Have Been A Bad One

The Steelers put defensive back on the backburner in Khan's first three years as general manager, as they put a lot of focus in the trenches. Pittsburgh has not had the draft capital to address every position of need, so they focused on one of the most important position groups in the league. It's easier to win without cornerbacks and safeties than offensive and defensive linemen. 

The Steelers may grab another defensive lineman to be safe in 2026, but with 12 picks in hand, Khan will be able to put a little more focus on getting Porter some help on the back end. Even if it's addressed in Day 2 of the draft, a young project could turn into a stud if he is developed properly. There will be an opportunity to select a future star in the 2026 draft. 

On top of that, Asante Samuel Jr. proved that he could still play at a high level after the Steelers signed him midseason. James Pierre had a career year and Brandin Echols was a solid addition in the slot. If the Steelers can re-sign any of them, they should be able to perform even better with another training camp under their belt, especially with a new coaching staff. 

What do you think about the Steelers' recent approach to acquiring defensive backs? Let us know in the comments or on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.

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