The Pittsburgh Steelers lost to the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Wild Card Round by a score of 31-17. This was the franchise's fifth consecutive playoff loss, extending its postseason winless streak to seven years. Omar Khan is determined to end the second-longest playoff win drought in franchise history and has relentlessly attacked improving the roster in 2024.
On Thursday, Bryan DeArdo from CBS Sports released a print interview he conducted with JJ Watt, the brother of Steelers superstar TJ Watt. The elder Watt, who is now part of the NFL on CBS pregame show, told DeArdo that he was very impressed with the Steelers' offseason so far. He was especially impressed with the aggressive nature that Khan has displayed.
"I love it," Watt said. "They know they have an opportunity in Pittsburgh. They know that they need to make some moves to try to take that last step to make that jump. Basically, what they're saying to their fan base is, 'We're going all in to try and win. We want to win a Super Bowl. That's what we do here."
Pittsburgh is tied for the most Lombardi Trophies in the Super Bowl era with the New England Patriots. The Steelers have not been to the Super Bowl since the 2010 season and have not appeared in the AFC Championship Game since the 2016 campaign.
Mike Tomlin has struggled during the second half of his career to find playoff success for a variety of reasons. JJ Watt pointed out that one of the most popular narratives about the head coach may be losing its luster.
"I think they've seen the narratives about no losing seasons, but not making it past that first round of the playoffs. They're signifying to their fans, alright, we're going to go ahead and do it. Bringing in Queen at linebacker, I think that was a really underrated signing that people aren't talking about as much. I think that's huge for their defense. You put those playmakers at every level with Minkah, Queen, T.J., Cam, Highsmith. They're really building something there with Joey Porter as well."
The Steelers signed Patrick Queen to the largest free-agent contract in franchise history. The former Baltimore Ravens first-round draft choice is expected to solidify the middle of the Steelers' defense in 2024. Khan had the flexibility to spend extra money in free agency due to the Steelers' unique quarterback situation. They are paying Russell Wilson and Justin Fields less than five million dollars in 2024.
"I think it's smart business what they're doing, especially in a league where it's tough to find a quarterback, and it's the most important position. When an opportunity presents itself like that, a minimum contract for a guy that's won a Super Bowl, you've got to take it. I think the fact that this group, together, not being past the first round of the playoffs, I think everybody realizes that that is underachieving. To me, and if I'm a Steelers fan, I'm looking at it, and I'm saying, OK, Omar and them, they're going all-in. Let's make a run. Let's see what we can do with this group."
Pittsburgh does not have Fields or Wilson under contract for 2025. Khan can pick up Fields' fifth-year option for $25.7 million, but they would likely prefer to work out a new contract that keeps him on the roster for the foreseeable future on a more team-friendly deal.
Steelers General Manager Omar Khan Maximizes 2024 Roster Without Sacrificing Franchise Future
JJ Watt's observations are spot on. Pittsburgh is looking to maximize its chances in 2024 by taking calculated risks. The Steelers are gambling that either Wilson or Fields will lead them to a playoff victory and deep into the playoffs. Unlike the Los Angeles Rams, Khan, for example, Khan has not mortgaged the franchise's future to do this. Pittsburgh might not have a quarterback under contract in 2025, but with over $100 million expected to be available under the salary cap, they will be able to afford one.
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