Steelers' Omar Khan Earning Reputation During Trade Talks

Every time a bell rings, an angel gets its wings. And every time a veteran hits the rumor mill, a Pittsburgh Steelers fan asks for a trade.

From creative options under center to star receivers and defensive reinforcements, the urgency and aggression from the fanbase are fervent. Sometimes, those prayers are answered. The Steelers traded for receiver DK Metcalf in March after a year-long pursuit of a dynamic target.

After trading away George Pickens, another need opened up at receiver, and many figure Pittsburgh will be in the market for one this summer.

However, it won’t come at too much of a cost. Steelers general manager Omar Khan is earning a reputation during trade talks, per Jonathan Jones.

"They're going to have to get another pass catcher," Jones told Kyle Long via the “Pushing the Pile” podcast. "I don't know if that's a wide receiver, and I don't know if that's a tight end. They're going to have to get a pass catcher. And they know that. They've been lowballing teams when they make a call. 'Hey, how about this guy? No, we're not doing that for a conditional sixth-round pick.' They'll get there."

Earlier in June, there were rumors about Pittsburgh being interested in Miami Dolphins tight end Jonnu Smith. His agent has since clarified that Smith is happy in Miami and would prefer to stay. Given the career year he’s coming off of, that’s for the best.

The Steelers’ depth at receiver figures to make them bigger players at receiver. Of course, that cannot be divorced from the signing of Aaron Rodgers.

During his time with the New York Jets, Rodgers played a role – either direct or indirect – in the acquisition of several former Green Bay Packers. Davante Adams headlined a group that included receivers Randall Cobb, Allen Lazard, and Malik Taylor. Tackle Billy Turner, quarterback Tim Boyle, and safety Adrian Amos followed suit.

Pittsburgh has more leverage and, perhaps, self-respect than New York. Khan isn’t going to turn the Steelers into the Land O’ Packers Past. But Lazard makes sense for a team with weaknesses behind Metcalf at receiver.

Whether it’s someone Rodgers has a rapport with or a high-profile target in need of a fresh start, Pittsburgh would be best served by adding a receiver. With Khan making the call, Steelers fans won’t have to worry about overpaying.