Steelers changing free-agency approach as playoff drought drags on
General manager Omar Khan is changing the way the Pittsburgh Steelers approach free agency. He started last offseason by filling out a significant chunk of the roster with free agents (Patrick Peterson, Isaac Seumalo, Cole Holcomb, Elandon Roberts, Kwon Alexander). He looks to be continuing it this offseason by agreeing to terms with quarterback Russell Wilson and inside linebacker Patrick Queen.
These are not the types of moves that the Steelers have been accustomed to making in free agency.
Since free agency was first introduced to the NFL in the early 1990s, the Steelers have typically played things safe on the open market. They were usually patient, looked for values and did not feel the need to take big jumps into the free-agency pool.
But with each passing season that the Steelers fail to win a playoff game, it has become more apparent that they needed to adapt to the times.
And now they are. The additions of Wilson and Queen (when they become official on Wednesday) are big examples of that.
Even though Wilson is expected to be a financial bargain, his signing is more about what it represents. It is a big name and bold move to potentially address a position of significant need. It is a strong sign that brass is not happy with the status quo at the position and is taking a proactive approach to trying to fix it.
It is a harsh message to 2022 first-round Kenny Pickett that he either needs to take a big step forward, or his time with the team will be in jeopardy.
Queen is simply a major splash signing. In terms of dollars, he will be the biggest outside free-agent signing in Steelers history and will nearly double every other signing that preceded him. Add in the fact it involves them taking a key player from their fiercest divisional rival and it becomes even more substantial.
Even after agreeing to terms with Wilson and Queen, the Steelers will still have some significant salary-cap space available and can create even more with restructures. So they do not figure to be finished adding players, especially with big needs at center, cornerback and safety.
As recently as just a few years ago, the Steelers would have handled free agency by being patient, waiting for the market to come to them and prioritizing all of their focus on the draft.
Those days seem gone with a new GM. Now they are getting out in front of the market, being aggressive and trying to add impact players. Going nearly a decade without a playoff win might have been all the motivation they needed.
More must-reads: