The Pittsburgh Steelers have issues right now. General manager Omar Khan has gone through long and tedious loops this offseason to field the best roster possible for this upcoming campaign, while keeping his third eye on the future. Most of Khan's potential success for his team in 2025 will be based on the outcome of the Aaron Rodgers situation.
The Steelers neglected the quarterback position in the NFL Draft until the sixth round, when they selected Ohio State's Will Howard. Mason Rudolph and Howard appear to be the top options to start for Pittsburgh in 2025 if Rodgers refuses to join the team.
Trying to find a solution at the quarterback position has felt like a disaster, and it could cost the Steelers plenty of games this season.
Other than the lack of answers at the most vital position in football, additional positions of need persist. Pittsburgh's secondary struggled last year, and they haven't provided enough answers to upgrade their weakness.
They also just traded away their best receiver from last year, which means they must locate a replacement to try and solve their struggles on offense.
Khan has dug himself a hole with a handful of problems that continue to haunt his club.
Pittsburgh Steelers might have to target free agents to upgrade roster after NFL Draft
Locating a genuine replacement for George Pickens
Pittsburgh fans hope there is a better plan to replace George Pickens, unlike when they dealt Diontae Johnson a year ago. Most believe moving Pickens out of town will provide an addition-by-subtraction approach.
He has been a toxic distraction to the Steelers since he joined the team, and many hope the team will have a better outcome without him infecting their locker room.
They have a replacement on the roster, with DK Metcalf in the fold. Still, Khan must find an upgrade for the second receiver spot. They don't need to be at the level of Pickens, but they should be a reliable starter. Going into training camp with Roman Wilson and Calvin Austin III as your only options would be detrimental to this team.
Let's hope the Steelers general manager learned his lesson from last year.
READ MORE: Steelers' latest trade rumor to replace George Pickens defeats the purpose
Starting slot cornerback
One of the weakest links on their defense is slot cornerback. Beanie Bishop showed flashes of brilliance, but his inconsistencies caused him to get benched. The club hopes Bishop will step forward in his second year in the NFL.
Khan refused to invest enough resources to upgrade the position in free agency or the NFL Draft.
The Steelers picked Donte Kent with one of their seventh-round selection, but he comes from a small school and showed inconsistencies. They signed Brandin Echols as a free agent, but he doesn't have much experience in the slot. While the team has different options to push for the starting spot on defense, none are likely to be long-term success stories.
Depth along offensive line
No one thought the Steelers would take another offensive lineman high in the draft, but that doesn't mean there aren't problems. Two of their starting offensive linemen heading into last year left in free agency, and other key pieces have departed.
Many focus on the starters, but the lack of quality depth players behind those headliners should produce concerns.
The good news is that there are some interesting options available as free agents. Pittsburgh could use one or two reliable veterans with some versatility. They have Calvin Anderson penciled in as their swing tackle, but they could use someone to compete with him.
Khan should also be on the lookout to sign an offensive lineman who can play guard and center in case injuries start to pop up.
Reliable depth behind starting cornerbacks
Ideally, Khan would sign another quality veteran to join the cornerback room. They added Darius Slay as a free agent, but there is a lack of young talent. Slay is an old cornerback, and his speed could deteriorate. Joey Porter Jr. is an up-and-coming player, but was inconsistent last year. The lack of depth behind them is concerning.
Many within the Steelers organization are high on Cory Trice, but he doesn't have much playing experience, and his long list of injuries is mind-boggling.
Pittsburgh cannot afford an injury to Porter or Slay during the upcoming season. Khan would be foolish not to consider signing another veteran with starting experience to his roster.
One name to monitor if he proves he is healthy is Asante Samuel Jr.