The Pittsburgh Steelers locked down GM Omar Khan with a contract extension through 2028, doubling down on his aggressive, Aaron Rodgers-led 'win-now' strategy.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
While the rest of the country was firing up their grills for the Fourth of July, the Pittsburgh Steelers were busy making fireworks of their own. The team announced a three-year contract extension for General Manager Omar Khan, locking in the architect of their aggressive offseason overhaul through the 2028 season. The move is a massive vote of confidence in Khan's vision and a clear signal that the 'win-now' window, kicked open by the arrival of Aaron Rodgers, is the franchise's undisputed priority.
I believe we are building a championship roster and look forward to the 2025 season and beyond as our goals continue to be to bring another Super Bowl to the City of Pittsburgh.
In just two years, Omar Khan has transformed the Steelers' roster-building philosophy from patient and steady to bold and aggressive. After acquiring quarterback Aaron Rodgers, he orchestrated blockbuster trades for receiver DK Metcalf and cornerback Jalen Ramsey, and also brought in Pro Bowl tight end Jonnu Smith. Extending his contract is Art Rooney II's endorsement of this high-stakes strategy. The move provides crucial stability at the top, ensuring the leadership that assembled this star-studded roster will be the one to guide it through a pivotal 2025 season.
While the offense has been grabbing headlines, the defense remains the backbone of this team. Analysts project the unit to be among the league's elite again in 2025, building on a 2024 season where they ranked 4th in scoring defense. Of course, that all starts with T.J. Watt. With the four-time All-Pro entering the final year of his deal, expect the Steelers to make his extension the next top priority. Securing the 2021 Defensive Player of the Year long-term is non-negotiable to keep this championship window open.
The 2025 Steelers offense will look radically different, retooled for a Super Bowl run. The additions of DK Metcalf and Jonnu Smith provide Aaron Rodgers with a dynamic duo of proven pass-catchers. However, the tight end room did receive some somber news, as Donald Parham Jr. is expected to miss the entire 2025 season with the Achilles injury he suffered in June. While his absence is a blow to the team's depth, the focus remains squarely on the explosive potential of the new-look attack led by Rodgers.
With the architect of this bold new era locked in, the Steelers have sent a clear message this holiday weekend: the time for waiting is over. All eyes now turn to training camp, where Aaron Rodgers, DK Metcalf, and Jalen Ramsey will begin the critical work of building chemistry. The pressure is immense, but so is the potential. As Pittsburgh prepares to host the NFL Draft next year with a war chest of 12 picks, the goal isn't just to build for the future—it's to win right now and bring a seventh Lombardi Trophy back to the Steel City.
