While Pittsburgh Steelers fans everywhere would love for the team to make a miraculous charge in the final four games to somehow slip into the playoffs, it's unlikely. Sitting at 5-8, the only legitimate thing that may be worth celebrating is if rookie quarterback, Kenny Pickett plays well and it results in finishing at 9-8, saving head coach, Mike Tomlin's streak of not having a losing season. There are going to be a lot more questions than answers following the final game against the Cleveland Browns and as Omar Khan enters his first off-season as the general manager, he will need to make a plethora of decisions.
Steelers then-General Manager Kevin Colbert and Current General Manager Omar Khan after practice at training camp Wednesday August 3, 2016 at St Vincent College in Latrobe. (Chaz Palla/Tribune-Review)
Former general manager, Kevin Colbert was responsible for the majority of the 2022 moves up until the draft, so this will be Khan's first chance to prove that he is the right man for the job. Some of the first tasks will be easy. Known as a cap guru, many guys will see their contracts restructured in order to build up some available cash so the organization can compete in free agency because they won't turn into a contender with the draft alone.
Colbert went out with a bang with the most aggressive off-season in franchise history. He spent $80.45 million in the first three days of free agency and while Mitch Trubisky hasn't been great, Mason Cole, James Daniels and up until recently, Myles Jack have had positive effects that have helped win football games. Cole and Daniels are a main reason the rushing attack came alive halfway through the season and have only allowed two sacks combined.
During his introductory press conference back in May, Khan assured the media that he doesn't expect a ton of things to change with him having the keys to the kingdom. He may come up with a couple new things, but nothing drastic:
"There's not going to be a lot of change here," Khan said. "I obviously have a lot of ideas that I want to implement and put in place, but I don't see a lot of change."
PITTSBURGH, PA - AUGUST 24: Director of Football & Business Operations Omar Khan of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on from the sideline before a preseason game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Heinz Field on August 24, 2013 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Chiefs defeated the Steelers 26-20. (Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images)
He was mainly talking about how the Steelers do business, at least fans should hope. The two areas on the field plaguing the team right now are the defensive line and left side of the offensive line. The only two defensive linemen who are currently on the team and were drafted by the franchise are Cameron Heyward, Isaiahh Loudermilk and DeMarvin Leal. There has been a lack of consistency and difference makers being taken there, especially early on in the draft. Stephon Tuitt was the last to be drafted in the first two rounds (2014).
An offensive lineman hasn't been selected within the first two rounds since David DeCastro back in 2012. That was a decade ago and the offense is feeling the effects first hand in what has turned into a completely different era of football. With the Steelers potentially having three picks in the top 45 overall selections in 2023, it is imperative that Khan gets away from the old trend that Colbert hung onto.
Known as a cap wizard, Khan will need to enter his first full off-season making critical decisions that will drastically affect the team's ability to compete. One of the main things that has yet to be seen is how much say Tomlin will have in Khan's decision process, but given his track record of coordinator hires, fans may want the new general manager to have complete say in what goes on beginning in January.
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach, Mike Tomlin roams the sideline during what would be a 16-14 loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Photo Credit - Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers
Khan accepted the job in May and the first losing season in almost two decades is now on the horizon. The decisions that are made beginning January 9th after the final game of the season will all be put under a microscope by the black and gold faithful. It begins will targeting free agents and not just signing them to a one or two-year deal. There needs to be a splash. Then, anything other than bolstering both lines in the draft and maybe the secondary could be detrimental for 2023 and beyond.
How much pressure do you think Khan has entering his first full off-season as the man in charge of the front office? Let us know in the comments below!
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