Steelers' Omar Khan Emphasizes Important Defensive Position That Organization "Has To Address"

For the Pittsburgh Steelers, a lot of the attention during the 2024 offseason has been on the quarterback position so far. No one is quite sure whether Kenny Pickett will get another shot to prove he can excel in the NFL, or if the franchise is going to bring in an external option, like Justin Fields, to compete with the 2022 first-round pick. While a signal-caller is crucial in today's football world, there are 21 others guys who take the field on the offensive and defensive sides of the ball. General Manager Omar Khan has a lot of work to do ahead of the league's new year and 2024 NFL Draft.

One area where the Steelers may have to address that is flying under the radar would be at inside linebacker. They have three players in Cole Holcomb, Elandon Roberts and Mark Robinson who are set to be on the roster in 2024, but none of those players seem to be long-term options at the position. That has to make one wonder if Khan is contemplating making a splash in free agency, or using an early draft pick on the position.

The Steelers' general manager spoke to the media at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday and after Holcomb's gruesome ACL injury, it seems as if the head of the front office is focused on revamping the position further. Khan admitted it needs to be talked about internally.

"The insider linebacker position; we have Elandon Roberts under contract. Mark Robinson, Cole Holcomb had, ya know, had an awful injury. I don't really have a timetable when he'll be back. Kwon Alexander's a free agent, but he also had a major injury, so it's obviously a position that we have to address."

Kwon Alexander was a nice addition in 2023, but he was on a one-year deal and, unfortunately, went on to tear his Achilles. That left an odd mix of Roberts, Robinson and Mykal Walker leading the way. Overall, the franchise has been searching for a long-term solution at inside linebacker since Ryan Shazier's tragic injury in 2017. None seem to be on the current roster, which makes Defensive Coordinator Teryl Austin's job a bit harder.

Khan continued answering a question that related to the insider linebackers, but spun it in a way for Steelers fans to understand how he's operating in terms of roster construction. Nobody is necessarily safe, especially if Khan has the opportunity to bring someone in who has the chance to compete for a starting job. Competition is everything.

"I've said this since I got this job. I said depth and competition are really important to me, regardless of position."

Khan is right to have this approach. Competition can bring out the best, or worst, in an athlete. Pittsburgh has been mocked to draft pretty much every position, but the organization's bread and butter of stopping the run due to having fierce linebackers has gotten a bit lost. Khan seems set on adding to the area, and it makes since, given not one player is locked in to a long-term deal.

The situation at insider linebacker has to make Steelers fans think about the possibility of landing a top free agent, such as Patrick Queen. Khan's recent comments don't make it seem like that's in the works, but it certainly doesn't rule it out either.

Steelers' 2024 Offseason Is Going To Be Full Of Speculation

Pittsburgh has needs in so many places. Quarterback questions lead the way, but there is no doubt that the roster needs to be updated in several areas if Head Coach Mike Tomlin's unit is going to end up with one, or multiple playoff wins in 2024. A stud at inside linebacker could make a big difference, so it will be interesting to see what approach Khan takes.

Do you think the Steelers will invest a high draft pick in a linebacker? Let us know in the comments below!

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