The Pittsburgh Steelers have been somewhat active during the 2025 offseason, with their headlining move being their trade for DK Metcalf. They gave up a second-round pick to get him, and about $132 million in new money. They made a few more minor signings in free agency, with Darius Slay getting the most money per year out of anyone that Pittsburgh brought in on the open market. It may have been somewhat underwhelming of an offseason for Steeler Nation, but at least they addressed some key needs.
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DK Metcalf walks off of the field after a home game with the Seattle Seahawks.
During an interview this week, General Manager Omar Khan was asked about how free agency influences the draft. Khan responded by revealing how they try to handle it every year.
"I'll just say it: our goal is to put ourselves in a position where we don't have to take a guy, a specific position," explained Khan. "I feel like we've added some key pieces to what we're trying to accomplish, and this draft, there are some really good players in this draft that can help us at various positions."
In previous years, the Steelers would reach in the draft to fill a need, such as drafting guys like Kenny Pickett and Terrell Edmunds when they may have been available later on. However, that has obviously changed ever since Khan took over as general manager, and their drafts have been significantly better with this new strategy.
Obviously, there are positions that the Steelers would want to prioritize. However, they can at least set themselves up to pass on that kind of position if some high-end player falls to them. There are a lot of things that weigh into the decision to pass on a supposed need for a better player, but Khan and his staff try to make that as little of a concern as possible.
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Steelers General Manager Omar Khan talks on the phone during a practice in the Steel City.
Instead of hoping that a quality receiver like Tetairoa McMillan falls to them, they were proactive and got themselves a quality starter when they traded for Metcalf. The door is still open to take a wideout if the right guy falls to the Steelers' picks in the draft, but it doesn't have to be a priority anymore.
Steelers' Draft Priorities In 2025
Defensive tackle is expected to be a position that the Steelers target early on in the draft. With no true nose tackle on the team, Cameron Heyward's incoming retirement, questions about Keeanu Benton's stagnation, and Khan's desire to build from the trenches, it seems like a perfect setup for their top pick.
Of course, quarterback is also a need for the Steelers. The only question is what do they go for? They clearly like prospects such as Jalen Milroe and Tyler Shough, but their stock is all over the place. Maybe they like them enough to nab with a Top 100 pick, or they pass for more talented prospects at other positions.
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Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe shakes hands with a Crimson Tide coach after a big time road win.
Overall, Khan's strategy makes a ton of sense. He wants to fill needs with established veterans that can contribute now so he can bring in all the best prospects he can. Every now and then, teams get lucky, and their biggest needs end up being the best player available. The Steelers have experienced that a lot lately.
In 2024, the Steelers had a desperate need at center. Not only did they fill the need, but they did with a player that was not expected to fall to them in the second round. Zach Frazier was one of, if not the best player available at the time, and the decision was a no-brainer for the Steelers. Frazier is now expected to be Pittsburgh's starting center for the next decade.
What do you think about Khan explaining his free agency plan? Do you think it has worked at all during his tenure? Let us know in the comments or on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.
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