Former Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Ike Taylor was on The Pat McAfee Show on Thursday to discuss recent NFL news. As a result, they spent some time talking about Taylor's former team. It's been a crazy off-season for the black and gold, including their recent hiring of general manager, Omar Khan.
Former Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback, Ike Taylor (#24) shares a smile with the late Dan Rooney during practice. | Steelers.com
Khan takes over Kevin Colbert's spot, who spent over 20 years as GM of the Steelers. Khan has his hands full, but his peers have provided rave reviews on him since the hiring became official. From former Steelers head coach, Bill Cowher, to premier defensive lineman Cam Heyward, to countless others, people around the Steelers, fans included, seem excited about the hire. While on McAfee's show, Taylor specifically talked about what Khan will bring to the table as the new GM of the Steelers:
"Omar's been with Pittsburgh 20 years plus in that organization. So not only does he bring the GM standpoint in what it is to be a Steeler and what I say what it is to be a Steeler is... we don't look at height, size, and speed. Does the kid love football? Is the kid unselfish? Does he mind smashing people in the face every play? That's what it is to be a Steeler. That's what I think Omar is going to kind of get back to."
Khan's been with the Steelers since 2001, so he was with Taylor and the team during the Super Bowl runs in the first decade of the 2000's. The hiring came a bit later in the process than expected, but many seem to be happy with the hiring. The Steelers met with several other candidates including Brandon Hunt, Doug Whaley, and Andy Weidl before opting for Khan. Hunt, who had been with the Steelers for 14 years, was let go and ended up taking a scouting job with the Philadelphia Eagles. The team kept Weidl around as well, as he was hired as the Steelers' assistant GM.
Steelers former General Manager Kevin Colbert and Vice President of Football and Business Operation (now current General Manager for the Pittsburgh Steelers) Omar Khan after practice at training camp Wednesday August 3, 2016 at St. Vincent College in Latrobe. (Chaz Palla/Tribune-Review)
Steelers got a multi-dimensional General Manager
"Omar used to be the financial guy, so not only you got a GM, you also got a GM who knows how to talk that money part when it comes down to contracts. Omar comes with a lot of tools in his toolbox, he just so happens to be the GM now," said Taylor.
Khan's financial abilities are an underrated asset for his potential as a GM. Those talents will be put to the task immediately, as Minkah Fitzpatrick and Diontae Johnson are both working to get contract extensions at the moment. Additionally, Stephon Tuitt's retirement Wednesday opened up just under $10 million in cap space. As a result, Khan can use that toward extensions for guys like Fitzpatrick and Johnson, or even go get a defensive lineman in free agency.
The Steelers way seems here to stay, as they've stayed close to home with two crucial decisions this off-season. That is, selecting a quarterback from Pittsburgh and hiring a GM that's been in-house for over 20 years.
What do you guys think about the hiring of Omar Khan? The praise from Ike Taylor certainly doesn't hurt. Be sure to share your thoughts! Click to comment below!
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