LATROBE, Pa. - An offseason roster reconstruction that included major changes at quarterback, wide receiver and in the defensive backfield didn't necessarily go according to plan, but it nonetheless got the job done.
"Obviously, coming off of last year, which was disappointing the way it ended, we had a plan, an idea of what we want," General Manager Omar Khan maintained today upon reporting to Saint Vincent College for the opening of training camp. "We had a vision of what we wanted this team to look like. To tell you that we laid out a plan and everything happened 100 percent, that wouldn't be honest of me to say that.
"But we think it came together pretty nicely. We filled some needs and we acquired some players that are, you know, Steelers, you guys heard me use that phrase before. I wouldn't say it was 100 percent the way we planned it. I don't think that's the case for anybody. But it came together."
The new arrival with the highest profile is unquestionably quarterback Aaron Rodgers, and it took a long time for that potential transaction to be finalized.
But Khan and the Steelers never sweated the scrutiny or the circumstances attached to their pursuit of the four-time NFL MVP.
"We were obviously having conversations," Khan said. "Some people might view my patience or our patience as a weakness but we view it as a strength. We just felt good about it.
"If there was a point where we didn't think things would end up where we wanted to end up we would have gone in a different direction. But we just felt comfortable and felt good about it. We wanted Aaron Rodgers and Aaron Rodgers wanted to be Steeler and it worked out."
The specifics of how it will all fit together, from where tight end Jonnu Smith will line up and when to how cornerback Jalen Ramsey will be deployed and how often, have yet to be determined.
"That's really what training camp is, to help us sort all that out," Khan maintained.
But the changes made since last January's 28-14 playoff loss in Baltimore give the coaching staff options, especially with Smith and Ramsey, thanks to the "position flexibility" Khan covets.
And the acquisitions were made at prices the Steelers were comfortable paying.
"We always kept in mind what our draft capital situation would be next year," Khan explained. "We're staring at probably 10 to 12 (draft) picks next year (including the anticipated awarding of compensatory selections). We really weren't willing to give up too many of those picks with some of the stuff we've done.
Steelers players arrive at Saint Vincent College ready to start the 2025 training camp
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Cole Holcomb (55) arrives at Saint Vincent College for the 2024 Steelers training camp on on Wednesday July 23, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman Calvin Anderson (67) arrives at Saint Vincent College for the 2024 Steelers training camp on Wednesday July 23, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Jack Sawyer (33) arrives at Saint Vincent College for the 2024 Steelers training camp on on Wednesday July 23, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Ben Skowronek (15) arrives at Saint Vincent College for the 2024 Steelers training camp on Wednesday July 23, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Jonnu Smith (81) arrives at Saint Vincent College for the 2024 Steelers training camp on Wednesday July 23, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen (6) arrives at Saint Vincent College for the 2024 Steelers training camp on on Wednesday July 23, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Keeanu Benton (95) arrives at Saint Vincent College for the 2024 Steelers training camp on Wednesday July 23, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
A general view at Saint Vincent College for the 2024 Steelers training camp on Wednesday July 23, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen (6) arrives at Saint Vincent College for the 2024 Steelers training camp on on Wednesday July 23, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive lineman Dean Lowry (94) arrives at Saint Vincent College for the 2024 Steelers training camp on Wednesday July 23, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Derrick Harmon (99) arrives at Saint Vincent College for the 2024 Steelers training camp on on Wednesday July 23, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf (4) and Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Will Howard (18) arrives at Saint Vincent College for the 2024 Steelers training camp on Wednesday July 23, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Keeanu Benton (95) arrives at Saint Vincent College for the 2024 Steelers training camp on Wednesday July 23, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Will Howard (18) arrives at Saint Vincent College for the 2024 Steelers training camp on Wednesday July 23, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) arrives at Saint Vincent College for the 2024 Steelers training camp on Wednesday July 23, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser/ Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back D'Shawn Jamison (17) arrives at Saint Vincent College for the 2024 Steelers training camp on Wednesday July 23, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) arrives at Saint Vincent College for the 2024 Steelers training camp on Wednesday July 23, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf (4) arrives at Saint Vincent College for the 2024 Steelers training camp on Wednesday July 23, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Robert Woods (16) arrives at Saint Vincent College for the 2024 Steelers training camp on Wednesday July 23, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Beanie Bishop Jr. (31) arrives at Saint Vincent College for the 2024 Steelers training camp on Wednesday July 23, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Cory Trice Jr. (27) arrives at Saint Vincent College for the 2024 Steelers training camp on Wednesday July 23, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Ben Skowronek (15) arrives at Saint Vincent College for the 2024 Steelers training camp on Wednesday July 23, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) arrives at Saint Vincent College for the 2024 Steelers training camp on Wednesday July 23, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Nick Herbig (51) arrives at Saint Vincent College for the 2024 Steelers training camp on Wednesday July 23, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Roman Wilson (10) arrives at Saint Vincent College for the 2024 Steelers training camp on Wednesday July 23, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Juan Thornhill (22) psarrives at Saint Vincent College for the 2024 Steelers training camp on Wednesday July 23, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive lineman Dean Lowry (94) arrives at Saint Vincent College for the 2024 Steelers training camp on Wednesday July 23, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III (19) arrives at Saint Vincent College for the 2024 Steelers training camp on Wednesday July 23, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers punter Cameron Johnston (5) arrives at Saint Vincent College for the 2024 Steelers training camp on Wednesday July 23, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Nick Herbig (51) arrives at Saint Vincent College for the 2024 Steelers training camp on Wednesday July 23, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Juan Thornhill (22) arrives at Saint Vincent College for the 2024 Steelers training camp on Wednesday July 23, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Evan Hull (38) arrives at Saint Vincent College for the 2024 Steelers training camp on Wednesday July 23, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Beanie Bishop Jr. (31) arrives at Saint Vincent College for the 2024 Steelers training camp on Wednesday July 23, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman Calvin Anderson (67) arrives at Saint Vincent College for the 2024 Steelers training camp on Wednesday July 23, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) arrives at Saint Vincent College for the 2024 Steelers training camp on Wednesday July 23, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman Spencer Anderson (74) arrives at Saint Vincent College for the 2024 Steelers training camp on Wednesday July 23, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) arrives at Saint Vincent College for the 2024 Steelers training camp on Wednesday July 23, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety DeShon Elliott (25) arrives at Saint Vincent College for the 2024 Steelers training camp on Wednesday July 23, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety DeShon Elliott (25) arrives at Saint Vincent College for the 2024 Steelers training camp on Wednesday July 23, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety DeShon Elliott (25) arrives at Saint Vincent College for the 2024 Steelers training camp on Wednesday July 23, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end DeMarvin Leal (98) arrives at Saint Vincent College for the 2024 Steelers training camp on Wednesday July 23, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) arrives at Saint Vincent College for the 2024 Steelers training camp on Wednesday July 23, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) arrives at Saint Vincent College for the 2024 Steelers training camp on Wednesday July 23, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) arrives at Saint Vincent College for the 2024 Steelers training camp on Wednesday July 23, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end DeMarvin Leal (98) arrives at Saint Vincent College for the 2024 Steelers training camp on Wednesday July 23, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback James Pierre (42) arrives at Saint Vincent College for the 2024 Steelers training camp on Wednesday July 23, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) arrives at Saint Vincent College for the 2024 Steelers training camp on Wednesday July 23, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) arrives at Saint Vincent College for the 2024 Steelers training camp on Wednesday July 23, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph (2) arrives at Saint Vincent College for the 2024 Steelers training camp on Wednesday July 23, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) arrives at Saint Vincent College for the 2024 Steelers training camp on Wednesday July 23, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Eku Leota (53) arrives at Saint Vincent College for the 2024 Steelers training camp on Wednesday July 23, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Eku Leota (53) arrives at Saint Vincent College for the 2024 Steelers training camp on Wednesday July 23, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Eku Leota (53) arrives at Saint Vincent College for the 2024 Steelers training camp on Wednesday July 23, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Troy Fautanu (76) arrives at Saint Vincent College for the 2024 Steelers training camp on Wednesday July 23, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Jalen Ramsey (5) arrives at Saint Vincent College for the 2024 Steelers training camp on Wednesday July 23, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Brandin Echols (26) arrives at Saint Vincent College for the 2024 Steelers training camp on Wednesday July 23, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Jalen Ramsey (5) arrives at Saint Vincent College for the 2024 Steelers training camp on Wednesday July 23, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Jalen Ramsey (5) arrives at Saint Vincent College for the 2024 Steelers training camp on Wednesday July 23, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Jalen Ramsey (5) arrives at Saint Vincent College for the 2024 Steelers training camp on Wednesday July 23, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Jalen Ramsey (5) arrives at Saint Vincent College for the 2024 Steelers training camp on Wednesday July 23, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Jalen Ramsey (5) arrives at Saint Vincent College for the 2024 Steelers training camp on Wednesday July 23, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Jalen Ramsey (5) arrives at Saint Vincent College for the 2024 Steelers training camp on Wednesday July 23, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
"It's important, we're aware of it. When you look ahead we're trying to win this year but we also understand there's just going to be a natural youth movement next year when you have 10 to 12 draft picks available to you."
The way the process played out has Khan "excited and curious" as camp commences.
There may yet be a subsequent addition or two to the roster.
But even if there isn't, the Steelers believe they've assembled a team poised to compete.
"I'm like everyone else," Khan insisted. "I'm in this role but I'm excited to watch these guys perform on the field and see how our team comes together.
"I feel really good about where our team is right now. To say that we're out there trying to find someone, that's not the case. If an opportunity comes available we'll look at it but I feel really good about our team.
"Our goal is to win a Super Bowl so we're building this team to win a Super Bowl this year, that's our goal. At the same time part of my job is to manage, make sure we don't sacrifice or do things that will hurt us in the future, because our goal is to obviously sustain success over time. But yeah, we're looking to win a Super Bowl."
