Steelers GM ranked painstakingly low amongst his peers

A 20+ year veteran of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ front office, Omar Khan acted quickly when Kenny Pickett — his predecessor’s first-round QB choice — proved incapable of above-average play.

Khan traded Pickett to the Philadelphia Eagles while signing starter Russell Wilson and trading for upside backup Justin Fields. It was a creative solution for a unique Pittsburgh problem.

Khan used the past two drafts to give the Steelers’ offense a punishing identity, adding three offensive line starters in Broderick Jones, Troy Fautanu, and Zach Frazier.

-Dallas Robinson, Pro Football Network

Here's the thing, Robinson didn't go into detail on why Khan was ranked at 21. Maybe it was a lack of time on task, or maybe it was that he has yet to have a full three years with any draft class. 

But something tells me it has to do with Khan's moves in free agency thus far. 

There is no disputing the 2023 and 2024 draft classes from Khan. Joey Porter Jr. Keeanu Benton and Broderick Jones headlined the group from 2023, with all three being bonified, high-performing starters by the end of their rookie season. 

And while we have to wait to see how good the 2024 class can be, I have yet to hear anyone in the media, whether it be a former coach, player, GM, or pundit criticize the class. 

The same can't be said for some of Khan's moves in free agency. He re-signed Mitch Trubisky after Kenny Pickett beat him out, only to see him lose his job as the starter and eventually all together when Mason Rudolph replaced him. 

He signed DBs like Patrick Peterson and Keanu Neal, who both were cut after just one season and this offseason, he traded away a Pro Bowl WR for an often injured corner and decided to not pick up the fifth-year option on RB Najee Harris, setting him up to be an unrestricted free agent after this season despite his historic success. 

And to be fair, every GM has these misses. Whether it be in the draft or free agency. no one is batting 1000. But when the 20 people above Khan have more equity built up, it lends credence to such a ranking, even if he probably should be higher.