Steelers Fans Cautioned Not To Count Omar Khan And His Negotiating Skills Out When Considering Massive Deals: 'He's Elite'

When the Pittsburgh Steelers decided to promote Omar Khan as their new general manager when Kevin Colbert stepped down in January of 2022, fans were worried they would just get a Colbert clone. Understandably, because Khan had been with the Steelers since 2001, working his way up in the front office, the familiarity likely played a role in his promotion. The team felt comfortable with him and knew he understood the "Steelers way."

However, Khan surprised many during his first draft and offseason. He boldly decided to move up a few spots to obtain Broderick Jones. Regardless of how the Jones pick panned out, Khan showed it wouldn't be another stagnate Colbert draft. He revealed he wasn't scared to take chances by drafting players like George Pickens, Darnell Washington, and Cory Trice Jr.  

It wasn't just draft picks where Khan showed his mettle. He has negotiated several big trades and free agency deals. That included the Steelers' biggest free agent deal for Patrick Queen. He blew fans' minds when he dealt Chase Claypool to the Chicago Bears. The fans marveled at his ability to play mind games on other teams and bend them to his will. 

Mark Kaboly from The Pat McAfee Show discussed the Steelers' needs this offseason with The Fan Morning Show on 93.7 The Fan. He was asked about the rumors that the Steel City has been calling about Matthew Stafford. It is no secret that Pittsburgh needs to find a quarterback, and the options aren't fantastic. The rumor is that the Los Angeles Rams want a first-round pick for the former Super Bowl winner. They recently gave Stafford and his agent permission to seek a trade. Kaboly said he may feel like they don't want him anymore. Regardless, the deal might be too rich for the Black and Gold's blood because, as Kaboly mentioned, this team isn't just a quarterback away from their own Super Bowl. 

Show co-host Adam Crowley said for him, it all depends on the cost, and that's where Kaboly pushed back, saying then you can't count Pittsburgh out, thanks to Khan.

"Omar's good at that, man," said Kaboly. "He will be able to negotiate something, like a late-round pick, and them eat half of their money or something. It's something that he's elite at. I wouldn't count him out of making it work for them like that."

The deal appears to hinge on what exactly it is that Stafford wants. He has two years left on the extension he signed in 2022, and if he wants another big multi-year deal, then the Rams will likely let him go. The thought is that at least he will bring some draft capital in, even if he is a significant dead cap hit. Stafford is due about $30 million this year, which many point out is low for an elite quarterback. The team will likely keep him if he agrees to an adjusted contract. 

Kaboly feels that Stafford has to think his best shot at another Lombardi is there in California. Many argue that the Steelers have a lot of cap space, but the reality, according to Kaboly, is that when the cap goes up, the cost goes up. 

Steelers Could Lose Justin Fields

While Art Rooney II has said they want to keep Russell Wilson or Justin Fields, neither has been offered a new contract yet. Kaboly thinks Fields is their preference, primarily due to his age and athletic abilities. 

They knew they risked losing them both when they were just placed on one-year deals. Now, the New York Jets have reportedly been inquiring about Fields. According to Kaboly, Fields wants to go where he has the best shot at remaining a starter. He has to weigh money and opportunity.