Predicting the "Khan Artist's" Next Moves

 The offseason for the Steelers has gotten off to a hot start. Omar “The Khan Artist” Khan has injected new life into the front-office dating back to last season, and he’s brought that same energy into 2024. Out with the days of sitting back with gap-filling signings on low salary deals, and in with the days of big splashes at positions of need. Free Agency kicked off with a 1-year Vet minimum deal to bring in 9x Pro Bowler Russell Wilson, a signing of 24-year-old Patrick Queen coming off a 2^nd team all-pro season, and a trade to move on from the talented-yet-inconsistent Diontae Johnson to bring in speedy Cornerback Donte Jackson as a starter along with a beneficial backend pick swap. Oh, and Pressley Harvin’s replacement is locked up for the next 3 years in Cameron Johnston, and he’s got the X-factor of looking exactly like comedian Bill Burr.

The next step for Omar is to build on the early success in Free Agency. There are still positions of need out there, especially with another being added as the organization moved a starting Wide Receiver. In this piece, I’ll be playing the role of Omar Khan, outlining the moves I think the organization could realistically make to put the best team on the field next year.

Positions of Need:

Wide Receiver, Center, Tackle, Cornerback (Nickel and Outside Depth), Safety, Defensive Line

Sign Tyler Boyd (Wide Receiver): Penn State fans avert your eyes; another Pitt Panther is coming to the Steelers. The dot-connecting here is fairly obvious, not only because of familiarity, but because of need. Slot production has been nonexistent the past 3 years, but Boyd is the guy to change that with physical play and sure hands over the middle. He’s also a great and willing run blocker which is huge for Arthur Smith’s system. The deal shouldn’t be too rich, I’d expect a 2-year deal somewhere in the range of $7-9 million per year.

Sign Arik Armstead (Defensive Lineman): We know that Mike Tomlin values big people who can move, and guys with Armstead’s size and ability don’t often hit the open market. At 6’7 290 lbs, Armstead would be an immediate upgrade at the Defensive End position. He is 30 years old, so he’s seen some regression the past couple of seasons, but he’s certainly still capable of being a contributor as the Steelers begin to plan for life after Cam Heyward. I’d expect this deal to be affordable, likely on another 2-year structure for a solid D-lineman with upside.

Sign Julian Blackmon (Safety): Strong Safety play opposite Minkah Fitzpatrick was sorely missed last season to give Minkah the freedom to roam and make plays while keeping a lid on the vertical passing game of opposing offenses. At 26 years old, Blackmon would bring the team just that. He has been a bright spot in the Colts secondary and warrants a look from the Steelers as an immediate upgrade of Demontae Kazee. I’d look for a 3-year deal here since he’s younger, like Queen, to lock him in as a long-term piece of the defense. Side note: don’t be surprised if they also bring back Terrell Edmunds on a cheap deal.

Sign Connor Williams (Center): The Center market was hot in the early stages of Free Agency with the big names garnering larger-than-expected deals. The Steelers weren’t willing to play ball at those prices, particularly with a strong Center class in this draft. So that leads us to some bargain shopping and taking a look at Williams, who had a strong year prior to his ACL injury. That injury allows for the team to take flier on a solid Center talent at a discounted price without long-term commitment and select a prospect in the draft. Expect a 1-year deal in the ballpark of $6-7 million per year.

Draft:



With these Free Agency moves, it gives the Steelers flexibility to take the most talented players available and not be forced to reach to fill gaping holes in the roster. An ideal draft I’d look for in the first 4 rounds looks something like this.

Round 1: Draft Amarius Mims (Tackle)

Round 2: Draft Zach Frazier (Center) /Mike Sainristril

Round 3: Draft Jalen McMillan/Cedrick Van Pran

Round 4 (2-picks): Draft Malik Washington/Khyree Jackson/Cam Hart

The roster on the field with these moves would likely rival some of the best in the league. Then it all comes down to the success of Arthur Smith as the OC and the Quarterback position… which is a conversation for another day.