INDIANAPOLIS - They're here to prepare for the NFL Draft, as they always are, but the Steelers' contingent present at the NFL Scouting Combine isn't getting ready for just another draft.
Not this time.
"Obviously, you guys know where the draft is this year, in Pittsburgh," General Manager Omar Khan announced. "I can tell you the community is really excited, we're all excited. It's a great place to host a draft.
"I can't wait for the rest of the world to get to know Pittsburgh a little more because it's a special and unique place," Khan emphasized.
FOOTBALL DECISIONS: Khan said the Steelers are in "good cap shape," which suggests finances need not be an over-riding factor in releasing players as "cap casualties" or signing players to contract extensions as the annual off-season roster reconstruction progresses.
"I'll just say that nothing's imminent," Khan said. "We have flexibility to do some different things.
Obviously, we haven't been in a position where we're paying the quarterback position at the top level. We have the flexibility to do some things that might not be normal in people's eyes.
"The key is just keeping as many of our good players under contract and locking them up. I really believe we have a good, young nucleus of guys who are deserving of second contracts."
THREE'S NOT A CROWD: One of those good, young players is Nick Herbig, who shares outside linebacker with T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith.
"He wants to play more," Khan said of Herbig. "I think we'd all like to have Nick on the field more. He's obviously someone that we'd like to have around for a long time.
"This defense has been based on those outside pass rushers for a long time so you can't ever have enough of them."
VETERAN LEADERSHIP: Veterans whose arrows are pointing up according to Khan include inside linebacker Patrick Queen and cornerback/safety Jalen Ramsey.
Khan was asked specifically about both.
"'P.Q.'s' been good for us," Khan said. "I think he likes being here. We like having him part of the team. I'm excited about having him around.
"He has a unique skill set. I know he's been in contact with the new coaches, they're getting to know him and he's getting to know them. It's been a good experience and expect him to contribute."
Regarding Ramsey, "I can't say enough good things about him. His approach to the game is really awesome, his preparation. His role will kind of shake out with the new coaching staff as it comes in but he's got versatility. You can play him at corner, at nickel, safety. There's a lot of different things you can do, you can blitz him. I know the new coaching staff is excited to work with him.
"You can't say enough about what he did for us early in the season. He switched positions (from slot cornerback to safety). He hadn't practiced it all spring and then he went in there and did it for us. He's one of the most unselfish football players I've been around."
WHAT ABOUT LEFT GUARD, RUNNING BACK?: Among the players scheduled to become unrestricted free agents in March are left guard Isaac Seumalo and running back Kenny Gainwell, the Steelers' MVP in 2025.
"Isaac's been great, we've had some conversations with his people," Khan said. "Obviously, we'll evaluate the free agent class and the draft class.
As for Gainwell, "Kenny was great to have around," Khan said. "He knows we want him back and we've been in communication with his people."
MUUUUUTH: Tight end Pat Freiermuth's production and playing time dipped in 2025 but Khan doesn't see that as an indication of what's in store for Freiermuth in 2026.
"Obviously, he's a competitor so he wants the ball, never going to question that," Khan said. "I think he's going to have a big part in this offense. We're paying him for a reason so excited to have him in the mix.
"I know the new coaching staff likes him, they're excited to work with him, he represents us well and Pat's a Steeler."
BRODERICK WATCH: Khan's response to an inquiry as to whether left tackle Broderick Jones would be ready for training camp was "it's a good question.
"Obviously, he had a significant injury," Khan continued. "We're monitoring how he progresses. I know he's working hard. It's still early in the process but that's certainly something that we're monitoring."
Jones played 11 games before being lost for the season with a neck injury.
He was replaced by Dylan Cook.
"Dylan did a really good job for us when he had to come in, he really did," Khan said. "I wasn't surprised because I've seen his work ethic and how important it is to him. He's a good player and he stepped in and played at a good level."
GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN: Khan opened his first media session of the day by acknowledging former head coach Mike Tomlin.
"I haven't had a chance to talk about him publicly, but Coach Tomlin, it's been an honor and a privilege to have worked side by side with him with him for so long," Khan said. "He was a great partner, always going to appreciate the times we had.
"We had a shared vision and it was great and I learned so much."
EXTRA POINTS: Khan on the Steelers' 12 selections in this year's draft: "I don't know if at the end of the day if we're going to end up with 12 picks. A lot can happen between now and then. It certainly gives us options." … Khan on the urgency to get better at wide receiver: "Not just the receiver room, we weren't good enough. We didn't win a playoff game. We didn't reach our goal so every position group needs looked at and if it's not good enough we have to be better in all those groups." … Khan on evaluating quarterbacks: "You can't hide from production. When a guy produces and he's done it at a high level or at a big school, and winning, winning's important, you can't deny any of that." … Safety DeShon Elliott, who was lost for the season after five games to a knee injury, is "on schedule," Khan said. "Once we get to opening day I don't think there will be any limitations." … It was a difficult year for rookie running back Kaleb Johnson and it's been a tough two years for wide receiver Roman Wilson but Khan expressed confidence in both. "I expect Kaleb to turn the corner," Khan said. As for Wilson, "You guys have heard me talk about my brief in Roman. I think Roman's a talented player
