The Pittsburgh Steelers just hit the first third of their season at a solid 4-2 after taking down the Buccaneers last Sunday, and trust me, that record ain’t the only big story brewing in the Steel City. This is our first real checkpoint on the massive question hanging over the team since the offseason: who from their 2023 draft class, the first true Omar Khan and Andy Weidl picks, got that long-term commitment?
The Khan-Weidl Era Kicks Off With Hard Choices
Khan and Weidl, the GM and assistant GM duo, finally got to put their personal stamp on the roster this offseason. Remember how former GM Kevin Colbert stuck around for the 2022 draft? Well, 2023 was the real test for the new guys, deciding which of their homegrown talents were worth locking down. And oh boy, did they make some calls. They threw big money at three players: outside linebacker Nick Herbig snagged a massive four-year, $100 million deal, defensive tackle Keeanu Benton locked in four years and $72 million, and tight end Darnell Washington got four years, $42 million. Those are some serious commitments, right?
But here’s the kicker: two other high-potential guys from that same class, cornerback Joey Porter Jr. and tackle Broderick Jones, didn’t get that same long-term love. Jones is already being called a “misstep,” a tough pill to swallow for Khan and Weidl’s first draft class. Porter Jr.’s departure is way more complicated, though. How we look back at that one will depend on how he plays post-Pittsburgh and, honestly, how the Steelers use that second-round pick they got for him in 2028. We’ll also have to see how they fix the cornerback spot this spring. But for now, it’s just a disappointing outcome for two players who had so much promise.
Trenches Over Boundaries: Pittsburgh’s Unmistakable Priority
It’s not just about who they kept or let go, it’s about *why*. By extending Herbig, Benton, and Washington, and not Porter, the Steelers have sent a crystal-clear message: they are building from the trenches out. This isn’t a one-off thing either. For two straight years now, they’ve moved on from players who operate more on the “boundaries” of the field. Last year, it was wide receiver George Pickens. This year, it’s Porter Jr. They’re clearly looking to retool those skill positions through the draft and free agency, even if there were other factors at play in each decision. It just screams priority, doesn’t it?
So, the focus now shifts to the guys they *did* commit to. While those new contracts haven’t officially kicked in on the books, everyone’s watching to see if Herbig, Benton, and Washington are truly developing like they should. We’re digging into their entire seasons so far, but especially how they’ve performed in the most recent games. Are they earning that faith? That’s the big question.
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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