The Pittsburgh Steelers feel content with the job they’ve done diving into free agency and the trade market this offseason as the 2025 NFL Draft quickly approaches.
Steelers general manager Omar Khan, still awaiting a response from free-agent quarterback Aaron Rodgers, made a few roster changes. The most notable was Pittsburgh’s trade acquisition of wideout DK Metcalf, followed by the five-year, $150 million extension agreed on to retain the two-time Pro Bowler. Khan and the Steelers feel as though there isn’t a premier need the franchise needs to focus on once their time comes on draft night.
“Our goal is where we don’t have to take a guy at a specific position,” Khan said two weeks ahead of the draft, per team-provided video. “I feel like we’ve added some key pieces to what we’re trying to accomplish. And this draft is, there’s some really good players in this draft that can help us at various positions. And we’ve been working hard at trying to make sure we set our board right, and there’s more work to come. The next three or four weeks are going to be really important, but we’re right in the middle of it and feel good about it.”
The Steelers enter the draft this year with six selections, starting with the 21st overall pick. Pittsburgh, after losing Justin Fields and Russell Wilson in free agency, reunited with quarterback Mason Rudolph on a two-year contract, which could signal the team’s stance on developing a rookie quarterback. Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin claimed Rudolph is a capable starter, currently under consideration for the QB1 role.
Still, that doesn’t mean that Pittsburgh won’t carefully examine every and all possible prospect options. Wide receiver Matthew Golden, a prospect from Texas, recently met with the Steelers after the 21-year-old recorded a 4.29-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine — the fastest time clocked among all wide receivers in attendance.
Story continues below advertisement
“For us, that’s really important, trying to identify the right players for us, the right people for us,” Khan said. “… (I’ve) been at some really good schools and seen some great players, and really met some great, great young men that could help us. Having that 1-on-1 time with the guys and really getting to know them, it’s hard to put a value on that and we’re fortunate that we get out there and spend some time with these guys and it’s not done. We still have 30 visits that are coming, we have the opportunity to do Zooms with players, which we plan to take advantage of.”
Khan’s comments reveal that the Steelers don’t plan to tip their hand and instead are adamant on maintaining the element of surprise before the time comes.
More Steelers: Former NFL GM Offers Intriguing George Pickens-Steelers Insight
Featured image via Charles LeClaire/Imagn Images