Key Take: Festina Lente

Pittsburgh GM Omar Khan has to feel the urgency to make the right moves this offseason- the status quo simply isn’t enough anymore, and everyone around the program has made that abundantly clear. Mike Tomlin's departure is a clear harbinger of change. Maybe Khan cleans house and cleanses any trace of the old guard from the facility. Maybe he goes all in with his new coach, spending on big weapons in order to unlock the offense and make a title-or-bust rush in 2026. Both are possible.

Whatever the front office decides to do, they shouldn’t rush to make a rash decision after a devastating home playoff loss. Several key factors need time in order to play out. Mike Tomlin’s future with the organization, which was bound to be one of the biggest talking points of the offseason, sorted itself out. Despite being late to a busy coaching cycle, Pittsburgh will be one of the most appealing job openings, which means that they can afford to do their due diligence before making a hire.

Aaron Rodgers has a decision to make about his potential retirement, and he’ll likely take his time before reaching a verdict that he feels comfortable with. The availability of a new coach and quarterback will likely be the deciding factors in Khan’s offseason moves, and neither of those situations will be resolved overnight.

Beyond Tomlin and potentially Rodgers, Pittsburgh has several key players with expiring contracts to deal with. Workhorse Kenneth Gainwell will certainly be a priority, as he expects to be rewarded after a breakout season. Midseason acquisition Kyle Dugger is due for a new deal as well. It’s also expected that Joey Porter Jr seeks an extension at some point before the beginning of next season. Every decision made this offseason will shape the beginning of a new era in Pittsburgh, and it’s essential that they take the time to do everything the right way.

What You Need To Know: The Building Blocks Are Here

Speaking of Joey Porter Jr., the second-generation Steeler has received little praise from the media over the last two years despite not giving up a touchdown since his rookie year. The third-year corner from Penn State was a steady presence in an otherwise patchwork secondary this season, shining in silence by keeping a lid on high-profile receivers throughout the year. Porter Jr. is one of the young stars whose importance cannot be overstated for a team about to undergo seismic change.

Derrick Harmon, Pittsburgh’s 2025 first-round selection, also shined after starting the season with an injury. Linebackers Nick Herbig and Payton Wilson showed their worth to the franchise going forward, as did several younger players on the offensive line. Whoever the new head coach of the Steelers ends up being, they won’t have to start from scratch to turn the squad back into contenders.

Before You Go: Get Your Nametags Ready

Over the next few weeks, I’ll take a deeper dive into the coaching cycle, free agency, and the NFL Draft, the latter of which is a special interest of mine. There’s about to be a bunch of new faces in Pittsburgh, and I will do my best to match as much information as possible with each new name and face.

A few names to look out for for now:

• Trinidad Chambliss, Ole Miss QB: the world tuned in to watch Ole Miss during the Lane Kiffin saga. Those who kept watching after his departure to LSU were treated to a spectacular postseason showing from Chambliss, the former Division II Star who led the Rebels to the CFP semifinals. Chambliss is a fascinating prospect who can makejaw-dropping playsin big moments, and he’ll be a name to monitor for Pittsburgh in the upcoming draft regardless of Aaron Rodgers’ availability.

• Jesse Minter, Chargers DC: one of the hottest defensive minds in the league right now, and a big name in head coach talks for several teams. On paper, he seems to be a great fit for Pittsburgh.

• Christian Kirk, Texans WR: Kirk ripped into the Steelers’ defense on Monday, but he’ll be due for a new contract once his season comes to an end. Maybe he left an impression on Khan after his visit to Pittsburgh.