Despite playoff disappointment, the Pittsburgh Steelers prioritize retaining their core.
This offseason seems like a perfect time for the Pittsburgh Steelers to reboot, if not rebuild.
Of course, an argument can be made that the Steelers don’t need to make a lot of roster tweaks. They won their first AFC North title since 2020 last year.
However, Pittsburgh got smoked 30-6 by the Houston Texans in the playoffs, extending their postseason losing streak to seven games dating to 2016. That skid hangs over the franchise’s head. Furthermore, the Steelers seemed lucky to have a 10-8 record, ranking 25th in the NFL in total offense and 26th in total defense.
Finishing near the bottom of the league in both categories should cause concern. With Mike McCarthy taking over as coach after Mike Tomlin resigned following 19 seasons, the timing would seem right for a roster makeover.
The Steelers, though, don’t rebuild, and their 22 consecutive non-losing seasons are an NFL record. How general manager Omar Khan spoke on Tuesday at the NFL Scouting Combine made it seem as if he does not believe major changes are necessary.
"The key is just keeping as many of our good players under contract and locking them up,” Khan said. “I really believe we have a good, young nucleus of guys who are deserving of second contracts."
Among the players who could be in line for extensions before the season begins are defensive tackle Keeanu Benton, linebacker Nick Herbig, and cornerback Joey Porter Jr.
The Steelers can make some splash moves if Khan desires. They have $44 million in salary cap space and 12 picks in the NFL Draft, which will be held from April 23-25 in Pittsburgh. The ability is there to sign a marquee free agent or bundle picks to trade for a significant player.
Khan doesn’t rule that out entirely, especially with teams first allowed to talk to free agents on March 9. Conversely, the Steelers won’t have to cut or trade any players for salary cap purposes.
"I'll just say that nothing's imminent," Khan said. "We have the flexibility to do some different things. Obviously, we haven't been in a position where we're paying the quarterback position at the top level. We have the flexibility to do some things that might not be normal in people's eyes.”
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