One of the strengths of Omar Khan with the Pittsburgh Steelers has been the draft classes. For four years, this team has compiled an impressive roster of young talent. Just as important, those rookies have found ways to make the team.
This season was no exception, as every rookie draft pick made the team, as well as an undrafted free agent.
However, even more impressive has been the Steelers' willingness to part with players who no longer fit the mold. It is common for teams to give long leashes to highly drafted rookies with the hope that they iron out their issues. More often than not, it doesn't work.
Khan is far more willing to cut bait quickly, recoup what value he can, and move on. Simply put, it is one of his best traits as a general manager.
Omar Khan's short leash with Steelers players is quickly becoming effective
We first saw this with the purging of some bad Kevin Colbert-era draft picks. The Chase Claypool trade was a massive win, both for the compensation that was received as well as getting rid of a player on the decline.
He also got some value for Kendrick Green. No one will go crazy for a late-round pick swap, but getting anything for a player who had flopped as badly as Green was notable.
You also had Kenny Pickett get flipped after his second season. The Steelers were rightfully moving in a different direction, so they used Pickett to move up in the third round. Fans were critical due to the lack of value for a former first-round quarterback, but in hindsight, that deal was certainly worth it.
This year we saw the same thing happen with some of Khan's own picks. Broderick Jones had far more value than I thought he would on the open market, but regardless, the team was willing to move on from Khan's first-ever draft pick.
Kaleb Johnson received far less value, but the team cutting bait with a third-round pick from just a year ago shows Khan's willingness to try and right those mistakes.
These deals haven't always been home runs for just the Steelers. Kevin Dotson has developed into a quality starter with the Rams. George Pickens had a dynamic season with the Cowboys in 2025. That said, neither was in Pittsburgh's long-term plans, so the Steelers made out just fine by trading them.
No, getting pennies on the dollar for a player who failed here doesn't exonerate the pick. Jones and Johnson should still be viewed as busts, given the investment made in them and the lack of success.
That said, Khan won't let bad picks linger on the team. He is quick to admit he was wrong and move on. Outside of the solid drafts he has assembled, this may be his next best trait.
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