Steelers Great James Harrison Sends Brutally Honest Message To Stephen A. Smith

The Pittsburgh Steelers witnessed a transition of power when Omar Khan took over as general manager. Khan’s first draft class at the helm came in the 2023 NFL Draft, where he assembled a strong group of players, especially considering it was his first year with full control. Now, many of those players are becoming eligible for contract extensions.

After the 2026 season, those who are not extended will become free agents. Because of this timeline, Khan’s decision to lock up young rising stars like Nick Herbig and Darnell Washington is viewed by some as forward-thinking. Others see it as somewhat risky, considering he has already committed significant money to players who are currently backups, at least for now. The belief, however, is that these players will develop together over time into key contributors.

Khan still has major decisions ahead, including how much to invest in Joey Porter Jr. and what direction to take with Keeanu Benton. Based on recent reports from Steelers insiders and pundits, there is a growing belief that all four players could ultimately receive extensions. If that happens, it would represent an aggressive approach from Khan, Art Rooney II, and Mike McCarthy, signaling a strong commitment to investing in young talent. It is something Steeler Nation has long been asking for, and Khan now appears to be following through.

Khan has faced criticism during his relatively short tenure as he has worked to reshape the roster back into a Super Bowl contender. However, on Friday, former Steelers linebacker James Harrison echoed strong support for Khan’s latest moves while speaking on his podcast Deebo & Joe.

"I have been trying to tell people," Harrison said while speaking in defense of Khan’s most recent extensions. "OK, y’all been talking about Omar Khan, saying Omar ain’t done nothing since he got there. Shut up, I told you. Stephen A. Smith, what did I say to you? You said he isn’t doing nothing. Watch Omar from this year forward, this year on, and then you can make your judgment... Now I know he is doing what he has been put there to do. His title is something he actually is doing. It’s not just something he is holding. He is able to do his job now."

Harrison believes that Khan is now in a position where he is able to do what he was intended to do. 

It is not certain what he was implying by saying he is "able to do his job now," but based on Harrison’s recent criticism and comments about former head coach Mike Tomlin, some will definitely try to connect those dots. 

Steelers' Omar Khan Can Finally Do His Job Post-Mike Tomlin

Whether he was implying Tomlin was in Khan’s way or not can be left open for debate. Either way, Harrison and Joe Haden are fired up about the offseason moves the Steelers have made and believe they will be in for an exciting 2026 season. Their belief stems from the fact that in 2025, Pittsburgh was able to win the AFC North and go 10-7. 

Now, with an offensive-minded coach in town in McCarthy and young players locked up for the future, coupled with young playmakers added through the draft, trades, and free agency, the Steelers could really be a team to watch for a rapid turnaround in 2026. Of course, they could also flame out and hit the bottom worse than they have in over two decades. Either way, it will be interesting.

Please feel free to share your Steelers takes with me on X (@anthonyghalkias) and consider following for more Steelers-related content and discussion. I’m always open to hearing different perspectives, breaking down games, and talking all things Pittsburgh football. 

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