Steelers GM Omar Khan Eyeing Potential Trade Again

The Pittsburgh Steelers are continuing to search for answers in their secondary, and General Manager Omar Khan may be feeling increased pressure to make another move. Pittsburgh has already explored outside options to improve its defensive backfield, but there are reasons to believe the organization isn't finished looking. Of course, that's mainly because they traded Joey Porter Jr. to the Dallas Cowboys. With the NFL trade deadline approaching in November, the possibility of another significant addition is becoming increasingly interesting.

Pittsburgh's defensive struggles have raised questions about whether the current group is capable of meeting the organization's expectations. The Steelers have added experienced cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting and another defensive back in Smith, showing they aren't afraid to explore available talent. However, those additions haven't necessarily eliminated the possibility of Khan pursuing a more established cornerback through a trade.

Steelers insider Brian Batko discussed that possibility on The Steelers Report, offering an interesting perspective on Pittsburgh's recent roster activity. 

"I'm going to say that's not a terrible take either," Batko said regarding the possibility of Pittsburgh trading for a cornerback.

That's an interesting assessment because Pittsburgh has already demonstrated a willingness to make changes. The Steelers could have simply trusted their existing depth and waited for the defense to improve. Instead, they have continued evaluating outside options, including players who weren't necessarily expected to become available contributors during the season. Batko believes that activity is worth paying attention to.

"Look, Murphy-Bunting and Smith aren't just random guys who are floating around undrafted," Batko said. "They've got pedigree, and they have NFL experience. In Murphy-Bunting's case, he's got some pretty solid versatility on his resume. But when you start scouring the other 31 teams' practice squads, I think that's an indication of Omar Khan, Andy Weidl and Mike McCarthy feeling some urgency to make improvements in that backfield."

Batko's comments raise an important distinction between searching for depth and addressing a genuine concern.

Murphy-Bunting isn't an inexperienced player Pittsburgh is simply hoping develops into something useful. He brings legitimate NFL experience and positional versatility, which could help the Steelers manage different defensive situations.

However, adding experienced players doesn't automatically mean Pittsburgh has solved its problems.

Khan's willingness to continue exploring the market suggests the Steelers understand their current situation requires attention. That doesn't confirm a trade is coming, but it certainly makes the possibility worth monitoring. Especially with Jamel Dean dealing with an injury.

The Steelers also have to consider how quickly a new defensive back could realistically contribute. Learning a different system during the regular season isn't easy, particularly at a position where communication and chemistry are essential. Still, Pittsburgh can't afford to ignore an opportunity to improve.

Steelers Could Feel Clear Pressure To Make Another Move

The upcoming trade deadline gives Khan a natural opportunity to evaluate whether his current secondary has enough talent to compete throughout the season.

Pittsburgh isn't operating with the expectations of a rebuilding franchise. The Steelers have an experienced coaching staff, veteran defensive leaders and a roster constructed to compete immediately. That makes patience complicated.

If the secondary continues struggling, simply waiting for existing players to improve could become increasingly difficult to justify. On the other hand, sacrificing valuable draft capital for a short-term solution wouldn't automatically guarantee better results.

That's the decision Khan could eventually face. Batko's observation is especially interesting because he wasn't reporting that Pittsburgh has already entered trade negotiations. He was identifying what the team's recent behavior might suggest about its priorities.

Those are two different things. Searching other practice squads indicates Pittsburgh wants options. Making a trade would represent a considerably larger commitment toward fixing the secondary. All eyes will go to this Steelers front office now.

Should Omar Khan trade for another cornerback before the 2026 deadline? Follow me on X @anthonyghalkias and let Steeler Nation know.

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