Omar Khan Hints That Steelers Are Planning A Huge Splash

Everyone is aware that the Pittsburgh Steelers need a franchise quarterback. The team hasn't had a true one since Ben Roethlisberger was on the active roster, which is why it seems shocking that four years have passed without a legitimate answer. Somehow, the organization has remained competitive, but now that a new coaching regime has entered the Steel City, fans are excited to see what lies ahead. When Mike Tomlin was around, he likely had more power than most head coaches throughout the league. That's why General Manager Omar Khan may now be the driving force behind a lot of the future decisions.

While the signal-caller position is very important moving forward, one player doesn't necessarily completely change everything for an organization, especially with the underwhelming quarterback class coming out of college. To be competitive in 2026, Khan could certainly have to mix some things up and get aggressive in more ways than one.

While speaking to the media at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine on Tuesday, Khan was vague, but very clear about what kind of position he currently sits in. Pittsburgh is going to have money to play with, and the Steelers sent a message that will make the fans excited. This may be a little bit of an uncharacteristic offseason and free agency period for the franchise.

"We're in good cap shape, so we have the flexibility to maybe do some things that might not be normal in some people's eyes, but we have that flexibility," Khan said.

When Khan was commenting about the Steelers doing something that may not be seen as normal, he threw up air quotes. When the average NFL fan thinks of Pittsburgh, aggressive free agency moves aren't always the first things that come to mind. The team has always been known for having a draft and development philosophy. However, with plenty of financial wiggle room, Khan should be able to extend key young players while also making an external splash or two.

He already seems as if he is chomping at the bit to make an uncharacteristic move that could shock a lot of people throughout the league. There are areas all over the depth chart in which the Steelers can improve, but it appears that the general manager in the Steel City could already have an idea of what he would like to do. He's ready to go off script and make a splash that potentially no one will see coming.

Putting the quarterback situation aside, there are going to be some attractive free agents that demand a high price tag. Due to the fact that Pittsburgh still does not have a signal-caller locked up into some deal costing it over $40-$50 million per season, the long-term outlook for cap space seriously favors the Steelers. A lucrative three or four-year deal for a guy that is really coveted isn't likely to matter by the time a true franchise quarterback is signing a massive deal in the Steel City.

If Aaron Rodgers elects not to return and the team knows that by the new league year, a significant payday for someone like Malik Willis all of a sudden becomes possible. The options are endless, and it seems like Khan is planning on making some very big decisions and engaging in extremely aggressive contract talks moving forward.

Steelers Have No Reason Not To Take Risks In Free Agency

Pittsburgh isn't exactly going to be considered a Super Bowl favorite, regardless of what the decision is at quarterback. That doesn't mean, however, that Khan and co. won't look to possibly step outside of their comfort zone. If the money is there, the team has absolutely no excuse not to use it, and in a different way compared to past years. It sure appears as if the Steelers are gearing up to get uncomfortable in the fresh Khan and Mike McCarthy era.

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