Steelers Received A Clear Message From Troy Fautanu About His Future Earnings

Pittsburgh Steelers General Manager Omar Khan has had to shell out some serious money lately, but that's a good problem to have because it means he's drafted well. Looking at his first draft class in 2023, however, the results have been mixed. The Steelers declined the fifth-year option on Broderick Jones, so that first-round pick is definitely trending toward being viewed as a bust. On the other hand, Khan signed Darnell Washington to a massive four-year, $42 million extension and also locked up rising edge rusher Nick Herbig with a four-year, $100 million deal.

That's a lot of money committed to two players who have primarily served as backups, but it's also a clear sign that Khan is willing to invest in players he believes are part of the franchise's future. Khan is also still working through the Joey Porter Jr. situation. That brings the focus to the Steelers' 2024 NFL Draft class, whose extension talks will begin after the 2026 season. 

While the two sides reportedly remain far apart in negotiations, there is still an expectation that a deal will eventually get done since both sides want to continue their relationship. While speaking on Steelers Collective, insider Ray Fittipaldo revealed that Troy Fautanu, the Steelers' first-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, has already made one thing very clear about what he expects his future paychecks to look like.

"We are talking about big numbers for Joey Porter Jr., like $25 million a year," Fittipaldo said. "You guys were both in the room with Troy Fautanu when we asked him if he wanted to be a guard. He said, 'Nuh-uh, I am a tackle.' And you know why he said that? Especially the left tackle -- he's not upset about moving to left tackle. That guy is going to make more than anyone in the Steelers' 2024 draft class. We think $25 million is big? Wait until you see that Troy Fautanu number."

As Fittipaldo was speaking on the show, he was reminded by fellow Steelers insider Mark Kaboly about another player who will need to get paid. That, of course, is the rising star out of West Virginia University, center Zach Frazier. 

Frazier has also played his way into a lucrative extension, and Khan definitely doesn't want to lose him.

"What about Frazier, though?" Kaboly asked.

Then there's Mason McCormick, who was drafted in the fourth round but has developed into a reliable starting guard on Pittsburgh's young and improving offensive line. The general idea is that the Steelers want this entire group to grow together and, ultimately, stay together.

Kaboly doesn't believe the Steelers' 2024 draft class will command as much money in extensions as the 2023 class, but it certainly sounds like Fautanu could be the exception. Fittipaldo pointed out that Fautanu made it clear he wanted to remain at tackle because tackles earn significantly more than guards. He understands the financial difference, and his comments suggested he wants to stay at tackle for that very reason. It's hard to blame him.

Steelers' Omar Khan Knows How To Deal With The Money

It will be interesting to see how Khan divides up the money to keep this young core of offensive linemen together over the next several seasons as Pittsburgh continues its search for its next franchise quarterback. 

Managing the salary cap has never been something Khan has struggled with, though, and there is plenty of confidence that he'll handle these upcoming extensions efficiently while maintaining continuity along the offensive line.

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