Pittsburgh Steelers Rewrite the Playbook
For the longest time, the Steelers were viewed as a traditional and conservative franchise, one that made decisions by the book and rarely stepped outside the lines unless absolutely necessary. This was reflected in their long-standing head coaches, the extended leashes given to high-end draft picks who weren’t panning out, and their preference for internal development through the draft and promoting from within the organization. However, since Omar Khan took over as general manager, there have been growing signs that the franchise is shifting toward a more aggressive approach. While those early signs were subtle, this offseason has made it clear that the Steelers are no longer content with playing it safe. They are breaking away from their old identity and showing a willingness to make bold moves. In this piece, I want to explore all the factors that have led me to this idea about the franchise.
How they have handled the QB position:
The Steelers were being set up for the future by former General Manager Kevin Colbert, who wanted to leave a parting gift for the franchise in his final days. That gift came in the form of his chosen quarterback of the future, Kenny Pickett, the local kid from across the training facility. We all know how that story played out, and the first sign of Omar Khan’s more aggressive approach came when the team moved on from Pickett after just 25 games in the Black and Gold.
Instead of doubling down on a failing investment, Khan made a bold move by bringing in both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields for the 2024 season. It was likely the biggest swing the team could realistically take at the time. Despite finishing 10-7, it became clear the front office was not fully committed to either quarterback. They chose to wait several months for a possible opportunity to land Aaron Rodgers, showing once again a willingness to pursue top-tier talent rather than settling.
This kind of decision-making at the quarterback position was not what fans had come to expect. For years, the Steelers were known for sticking with players a little too long, even when the production wasn’t there regardless of the position.
We have agreed to terms with QB Aaron Rodgers on a one-year contract, pending the completion of a physical. @BordasLaw
📝: https://t.co/9WFkSoVnD7 pic.twitter.com/lF8OtgHgXi
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) June 6, 2025
Bold Moves for Wide Receivers
It has been well documented that the Steelers have been searching for a true WR1 ever since Antonio Brown was traded to the Raiders six years ago. While the team has generally drafted well at the position, they have struggled to find consistent year-over-year production from any single receiver. Players like JuJu Smith-Schuster, Diontae Johnson and George Pickens have all shown flashes of high-end talent, but none were able to truly cement themselves as the top option in the offense.
This need led the team to make a strong push for Brandon Aiyuk around this time last year, but a deal never materialized. Instead, the Steelers pivoted and landed their new WR1 in DK Metcalf, acquiring him in a trade that essentially cost them a 2025 second-round pick. They wasted no time securing his future by signing him to a five-year, 150 million dollar deal. The aggressive pursuit of Aiyuk, followed by the acquisition and extension of Metcalf, marks a significant departure from how the Steelers have typically operated in years past.
TRADE: Seahawks trading DK Metcalf to the Steelers for a 2025 second-round pick.
Metcalf is signing a five-year, $150 million contract with Pittsburgh. (via @tompelissero, @rapsheet) pic.twitter.com/fefRvz59Ud
— NFL (@NFL) March 9, 2025
The blockbuster move
The icing on the cake was the move that shook the NFL today, as the Steelers made headlines once again by trading for All-Pro Jalen Ramsey and Pro-Bowler Jonnu Smith from the Miami Dolphins. Going the other way was Minkah Fitzpatrick, who will now return to Miami after six seasons leading the Steelers’ defense. During his time in Pittsburgh, Fitzpatrick earned three All-Pro selections and became a cornerstone of the franchise. Now, he heads back to South Beach in a stunning twist.
This trade is difficult to process, not just because of the talent involved, but because of what it represents. The Steelers are not known for making blockbuster trades, especially ones involving multiple All-Pro players. Trading away a player like Fitzpatrick, who many thought would retire in Pittsburgh, is something the old Steelers front office would have never considered. The timing makes it even more surprising, happening between OTAs and training camp which is usually the quietest part of the offseason.
Full terms of Monday’s Steelers-Dolphins blockbuster:
Steelers get:
🏈CB Jalen Ramsey
🏈TE Jonnu Smith
🏈2027 7th-round pickDolphins get:
🏈S Minkah Fitzpatrick
🏈2027 5th-round pick https://t.co/OvqRLfb2dr— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 30, 2025
Even though the Steelers have been making some bold moves, if you’re not the biggest fan of it all, it’s important to remember that their future is still intact. Aside from the DK Metcalf trade, they haven’t given up any significant draft capital. The trades they have made suggest a two-timeline strategy. They believe they can win now while still holding enough young talent and draft picks to build around a quarterback from next year’s draft.
You can question the direction, but one thing is certain. The Steelers’ future will not be boring, and no matter who you are, that has to be at least a little exciting.
