There is no doubt that the Pittsburgh Steelers failed Ben Roethlisberger in the latter half of his Hall of Fame-caliber career. The organization has always been known for drafting and developing, but ended up finding very few franchise-altering players following the Super Bowl XLV loss to the Green Bay Packers. Cameron Heyward and TJ Watt are the only two unquestioned stars out of a bunch that were selected between the years of 2011 and 2022, while also remaining on the team entering the 2024 campaign. Alex Highsmith and George Pickens are close to earning their flowers too.
Credit shouldn't be taken away from Kevin Colbert for leading the charge in drafts that landed play-makers such as David DeCastro, Ryan Shazier, Javon Hargrave, Diontae Johnson, Najee Harris and Pat Freiermuth, but only two of those names will compete for the franchise in 2024. There were many more misses than hits throughout the final decade or so of Colbert's tenure.
Long-time front office member, Omar Khan took over as general manager not too long after what is now looked at as the disastrous draft that included a first-round selection of Kenny Pickett in 2022. Not shortly after Khan's promotion, the organization brought in reinforcements, stealing away Andy Weidl from the Philadelphia Eagles to be the assistant general manager.
Khan's wizardry when it comes to the salary cap and Weidl's recognized knack for spotting talent, seemed to be the perfect marriage. The two dove into their first full offseason together in 2023 and as it stands in 2024, nailed their original draft as a tandem. Broderick Jones, Joey Porter Jr., Keeanu Benton and Nick Herbig all seem to have been the perfect choices based on when they were picked and who was available.
The Steelers need a stellar draft in 2024 to keep up with the pace. The organization's needs when it comes to the offensive and defensive lines, as well as cornerback and wide receiver positions, cannot be understated. The unfortunate part of another top-notch draft is any other team looking for a new general manager in the 2025 offseason.
Weidl helped build a championship roster with the Eagles and seems to currently lurk in the shadows in Pittsburgh. He rarely speaks to the media, but without a doubt has some kind of pull when it comes to the personnel in the building. The trio of Weidl, Khan and Head Coach Mike Tomlin is potentially just beginning. If Tomlin is extended prior to the 2024 regular season kicking off (as expected), keeping the group together might lead to a seventh Super Bowl in the near future.
The former executive for the Eagles has more than 25 years of experience when it comes to scouting and while Khan may receive most of the credit for an impeccable 2023 draft class, ignoring Weidl's say in the matter would be improper. If the Steelers complete their transformation of the roster in 2024, beginning with the draft, and quickly become one of the best teams in the AFC, Weidl could very well field offers elsewhere.
Steelers Losing Weidl To A Different Franchise Could Soon Be A Legitimate Possibility
If Tomlin is extended, he obviously isn't going anywhere anytime soon. On top of that, nothing suggests Khan will be on his way out in the near future either. Weidl is the most likely member of the front office that could get several interviews in the next general manager hiring cycle. A dynamite draft from Pittsburgh in 2024, combined with Weidl's reputation, could lead to the Steelers losing a key part of their rebuilding efforts before he really even is able to get his feet wet in the Steel City.
More must-reads: