Steelers Fans Shouldn't Be Surprised If Omar Khan Trades For Center

Pittsburgh Steelers fans could not have anticipated the wheeling and dealing that second-year General Manager Omar Khan would do this offseason. During the 2023 offseason, they got a small taste of his methods and were excited about his free agent selections and draft picks, generally grading him with top marks. 

This offseason has been intense, with Khan and Head Coach Mike Tomlin proving they "want volunteers, not hostages" in the organization. They have allowed multiple players to go, including Kenny Pickett and Diontae Johnson. They have also pursued and acquired two quarterbacks, both considered potential starters. 

At the end of the 2023 season, one of the organization's moves was to release several players, including center Mason Cole. Cole had been with the Steelers for two seasons, and while he started as a solid member of the line, he struggled in 2023. Pickett was already floundering as a starting quarterback, so having Cole snap the ball wrong did not help. It felt like every other play: the snap was low, off to the right or left, or just flat-out hit the ground. Cole was also not a strong blocker on the line; the defense frequently targeted him, and analysts joked that he operated like a turnstile.  

The Steelers have always prided themselves in having a solid center as the core of that offensive line, from Mike Webster to Maurkice Pouncey. Unfortunately, since Pouncey retired, they have had a string of unsuccessful replacements. That has fans worried headed into 2024. Most of the compatible, free agent centers have been signed already, so that leaves the draft or a trade. 

Khan spoke to the media at the 2024 NFL Annual Meeting in Orlando, Florida. According to Steelers writer Dale Lolley on X, the team is still considering veteran centers. 

"Steelers GM Omar Khan said there are still veteran options available at center, but the team also will explore trades and the draft as potential ways to upgrade that position," wrote Lolley in a post.

Recently, most media have shifted their focus from the veteran centers to one available in the draft. But Khan's statement reopens the door to potentially seeking a trade from another team. Khan has shown that he is open to making those trades. He has already traded for Fields and executed a lucrative player trade for Johnson, which gave Pittsburgh cornerback Donte Jackson.  

Steelers Options For Center In 2024

The Steelers still need to fill many holes, including wide receiver and offensive tackle, and find more help on defense. If they really choose to trade for a center, they could use that 20th overall pick for another need. 

This year has been billed as a potentially historic draft for centers. Three are projected to go in the first round; that would be a record. However, this draft is rich in offensive players, with many quarterbacks, receivers, and linemen available. That also leaves Pittsburgh likely with solid options available in the second round. 

Many mocks have the Steelers taking Jackson Powers-Johnson from Oregon with their first-round pick. Powers-Johnson is being hailed as a generational talent who will positively impact the offense for many years. It might be unusual for the Steelers to draft a first-rounder out of the PAC-12 conference, but it is not unheard of for them to take a center that high. They recognized the talent in Pouncey and nabbed him with the 18th overall pick in 2010.

Another name that has appeared in several mocks is Zach Frazier from West Virginia. Depending on which evaluation you read, other quality centers, like Sedrick Van-Pran from Georgia and Beaux Limmer from Arkansas, could be taken in the second or third round.  

What would you like to see the Steelers do with theirfirst-round pick? Click to comment below. 

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