It's hard to break from tradition, and the Pittsburgh Steelers have mostly stuck to their guns throughout history. They know what has led them to success in the past, and they won't change that. Just because something has worked previously doesn't mean you can't change things up. The team has altered its vision since Omar Khan became the general manager.
Pittsburgh has been more aggressive outside of the draft process. They are not afraid to make some splashes in trades and free agency to build their roster. That is something former general manager Kevin Colbert struggled with. The new age of the NFL requires clubs to remain active in all three phases of player acquisition. Khan has proven you can blend old age with the current.
The Steelers still acquire most of their talent through the draft, but things are changing.
Most of Pittsburgh Steelers' starters come from NFL draft and not free agency
Steelers have 7 players who signed as free agents: Isaac Seumalo (OG), Patrick Queen (LB), DeShon Elliott (S), Darius Slay (CB), Brandin Echols (CB), Chris Boswell (K), Cameron Johnston (P)
Khan has started to sprinkle in starters through free agency during his tenure. The Steelers have seven projected starters who signed as free agents. Two of those are special-teams players like Chris Boswell and Cameron Johnston. Other big-time additions in free agency, like Isaac Seumalo and Patrick Queen, broke the mold for what the Steelers have been comfortable with.
They might not get most of their starting lineup through free agency, but they have continued to add to this number under Khan's regime. Pittsburgh is willing to shell out massive contracts under the right circumstances. The number of free agents who fill starting spots will probably increase with Khan at the helm. He isn't afraid to make bold moves when free agency rolls around.
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Steelers drafted 17 of their starters: Mason Rudolph (QB), Jaylen Warren (RB), George Pickens (WR), Roman Wilson (WR), Pat Freiermuth (TE), Broderick Jones (OT), Zach Frazier (OC), Mason McCormick (OG), Troy Fautanu (OT), Cam Heyward (DT), Keeanu Benton (DT), Rookie (DT), T.J. Watt (EDGE), Alex Highsmith (EDGE), Payton Wilson (LB), Joey Porter Jr. (CB), Christian Kuntz (LS)
To no one's surprise, the Steelers get most of their starters through the NFL draft. They might have changed their player acquisition plans under Khan, but they remain focused on the draft process to get talent. They have 17 starters who were drafted by Pittsburgh at some point. That could become one less if Aaron Rodgers signs and supplants Mason Rudolph as the starter.
The projected lineup of the Steelers is full of former draftees. It's safe to assume either a rookie receiver, Calvin Austin III, or Roman Wilson will take over a starting spot. A rookie defensive lineman will either line up next to Cam Heyward or at the nose tackle spot.
It's a long list of drafted players who have become starters, and it's a nod to the Steelers tradition.
Steelers acquired 2 starters through trade: D.K. Metcalf (WR) & Minkah Fitzpatrick (S)
Khan has used the trade market more often than his predecessor. He just made a splash this offseason by acquiring D.K. Metcalf. The star receiver will push George Pickens for the top receiver spot on offense. It should create a solid one-two punch, which Pittsburgh desperately missed last year. Metcalf was a good move, and the Steelers continue to grow as a buyer on the trade block.
Colbert did make a massive trade towards the tail-end of his career as general manager by landing Minkah Fitzpatrick. It was a bold move at the time, but it paid off. Fitzpatrick became a star player for the Steelers and has made that trade successful. Sadly, it appears the safety might be starting to slow down. Fitzpatrick could struggle to hang onto a job with the Steelers soon.