GM Omar Khan says Steelers are sticking with 'awesome policy'

General manager Omar Khan has changed the way the Steelers have done things over the past couple of years.

He has brought a modern approach, parting ways with offensive coordinator Matt Canada midseason, cutting losses with first-round quarterback Kenny Pickett after just two seasons and handing linebacker Patrick Queen the biggest free-agent contract in franchise history.

However, Khan revealed there's one thing that isn't going to change from the previous regimes and that's not having any contract talks once the season starts.

"I think it's an awesome policy," Khan said on 93.7 The Fan. "That policy predates even before Kevin [Colbert] and I got here. Once we get into the season, I'm a believer it should be all focused on football. Obviously, there's a business aspect to this, and that's OK. That's just part of it. But once we get into the season, it's to focus on the season."

While it makes sense to fully focus on the season once it begins, it could come at a risk for Pittsburgh.

The team has several key players entering the final year of their contracts, including quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, running backs Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren, tight end Pat Freiermuth, guard James Daniels and defensive tackle Cameron Heyward.

It's unlikely that the Steelers will get deals done with all of them, meaning several will hit the open market following the 2024 season.

Maybe the biggest gamble of all is with Wilson and Fields. If either of them plays well throughout the season, the price is only going to go up the longer Pittsburgh waits to extend them.

Khan needs one of them to prove himself first.

"From my standpoint, I can just tell you I'm more worried about the quarterback for this year," Khan added. "The rest of it will take shape after the season."

The player most likely to receive a contract is Heyward, who has made it clear he wants a new deal by skipping the voluntary part of the offseason program.

However, if the Steelers are unwilling to meet the longtime team captain's contract demands, everyone else is far from guaranteed of getting the payday they're searching for.