General Manager Omar Khan made a move that essentially labeled Broderick Jones a failed first pick, sending the tackle to Dallas and shaking up the Steelers’ initial 53-man roster just 11 days before their season opener against the Atlanta Falcons. Preseason’s officially wrapped, and while we thought we had a decent read on how things would shake out, the Steelers tossed some serious curveballs.
The Big Trades That Set the Tone
Look, the Broderick Jones trade was a head-scratcher that quickly turned into a gut punch for a lot of fans. We’re talking about a tackle who has largely disappointed since coming into the league, and he’s been battling a neck injury! His preseason showing was, frankly, a tough watch. But Khan pulled the trigger, essentially upgrading a fourth-round pick into a third-rounder and swapping Jones for a sixth. It’s a bold move, and you can definitely call him a failed first pick given that context. Still, you gotta respect Khan turning a potentially lame-duck situation into future assets. That’s smart business, even if it hurts to admit a high draft pick didn’t pan out.
Then there was the Kaleb Johnson situation. This running back didn’t exactly flash the potential that got him drafted in the third round. With a new offense apparently not tailored to his presumed skillset, his time in Pittsburgh was pretty disappointing. It wasn’t a huge surprise he wouldn’t make the roster, but a trade for a late Day 3 pick still shows some other team is willing to take a chance on that draft pedigree. Getting anything for a player who wasn’t fitting into the system is a win.
Four Quarterbacks?! What’s the Plan, Coach?
Now, the truly wild part, even if it wasn’t a total shocker, is the Steelers keeping four quarterbacks on their initial 53-man roster. Yes, you read that right. Four. We saw the team soft launching this concept all preseason, so maybe we shouldn’t be totally surprised, but it still feels like an unorthodox roster-building move, doesn’t it? They didn’t claim anyone off waivers or sign any free agents, so this is clearly their plan, at least for now.
There are definitely valid reasons for and against this, and you gotta figure this is some complex “roster calculus” on their part. But carrying four signal-callers into Week 1? That’s a huge commitment of roster spots! What does it say about the faith in their top guys? Or are they just trying to stash talent? Either way, it’s going to be fascinating to see how this unfolds.
The Steelers kick off their season at home against the Atlanta Falcons in just 11 days. These roster moves, especially that four-QB decision, are going to be under the microscope from the opening snap. Get ready, because real football is here, and it’s starting with some big questions in Pittsburgh.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Behind the Steel Curtain.
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