Steelers' 2026 Offseason: Why Khan's Playing with Fire (Again)

Real talk: Omar Khan’s got a habit of making us sweat. After the Steelers bowed out of the 2025 playoffs with a whimper, losing 23-10 to the Bengals in the Divisional Round, everyone knew this offseason would be aggressive. And it has been, in spots. But some of the holes still gaping on this roster? They’re big enough to drive a Mack truck through.

Let's start with the good news, because there isn’t a ton of it. Securing Minkah Fitzpatrick's extension was paramount. His new four-year, $74 million deal, signed just before the March 12th deadline, keeps the anchor of that secondary in Pittsburgh through his prime. The All-Pro safety led the team with 5 interceptions in 2025, and losing him would have been catastrophic. They also brought back veteran defensive lineman Larry Ogunjobi on a one-year, $6 million prove-it deal. He’s a known quantity, a good locker room guy, and provides some depth up front, even if his 2.5 sacks last season weren't exactly earth-shattering.

The Biggest Swings (and Misses)

Khan did make a splash, bringing in former Titans running back Derrick Henry on a two-year, $18 million contract. Look, Henry ran for 1,125 yards and 10 touchdowns for Tennessee last year. He’s a bruiser. But he’s also 32. While Najee Harris’s future in Pittsburgh felt uncertain after his option wasn’t picked up, replacing him with a declining King Henry feels like a move from 2022, not 2026. This team needs dynamic playmakers, not another ground-and-pound back who’s lost a step. It's a short-sighted fix for a long-term problem. The Steelers ranked 24th in explosive plays (20+ yards) in 2025, and Henry isn’t going to change that.

Then there's the wide receiver situation. George Pickens is entering his prime, coming off a 1,200-yard, 8-touchdown season. But who’s opposite him? Calvin Austin III struggled to stay healthy and only managed 35 catches in 2025. They signed journeyman Allen Lazard to a one-year, $4 million deal. Lazard had 30 receptions for 311 yards for the Jets last season. That’s not a number two receiver; that’s a warm body. This offense, especially with a still-developing quarterback in Justin Fields, desperately needs another legitimate threat. Fields threw for 3,100 yards and 18 touchdowns in his first full season as a Steeler, but he needs weapons who can consistently separate.

The Holes That Remain

The offensive line still feels… shaky. While Broderick Jones took a step forward at left tackle, and James Daniels is solid at guard, center and right tackle remain question marks. Mason Cole's play declined sharply in 2025, leading to a team-high 12 penalties. They didn't sign a single offensive lineman of note in free agency. That’s malpractice when you’re trying to develop a young quarterback and run an effective offense.

And where’s the edge rusher depth? T.J. Watt is T.J. Watt – he had 16 sacks last year. But Alex Highsmith only put up 6 sacks, and after that, the cupboard is bare. They released Markus Golden, who barely saw the field. Pass rush is the lifeblood of this defense, and banking solely on Watt to carry the load again feels like a risky bet.

Here's the thing: Khan’s relying too heavily on the draft to fix glaring, immediate needs. That’s a risky proposition, especially with a roster that's supposed to be contending. The Henry signing might sell some jerseys, but it won't win a Super Bowl. My bold prediction? This team misses the playoffs again in 2026, primarily due to an anemic passing game and a lack of depth on both lines, despite Fitzpatrick’s best efforts.