Steelers General Manager Omar Khan’s Contract Policy: No New Deals for Key Players During Season

General Manager Omar Khan has confirmed that the Steelers have a strict policy against negotiating contracts during the season, which means key players like James Daniels, Justin Fields, Pat Freiermuth, Najee Harris, and Russell Wilson will not get new deals until after the season unless an agreement is reached in the next 2 1/2 months. This includes defensive lineman Cameron Heyward, who has been vocal about wanting a new contract but will not receive one this year due to the policy.

Khan believes that once the season starts, the focus should be solely on football and not on negotiations. He acknowledges that there is a business aspect to contracts but emphasizes that during the season, the priority should be on the game itself. Khan also expressed support for this policy, stating that it allows players to focus solely on their performance on the field without any distractions caused by contract talks.

Heyward has been absent from voluntary offseason activities as he enters the final year of his current deal. He is seeking an extension on his contract, which is set to pay him $16 million this year. Time is running out for Heyward to secure a new deal with the Steelers before the start of the season. Khan stated that his main focus is on the quarterback for the upcoming season and that other contracts will be sorted out after