Former Steelers Offensive Coordinator Praises Brilliant Roster Building From Omar Khan

The Pittsburgh Steelers and General Manager Omar Khan were uncharacteristically active at the trade deadline during the 2024 season. Khan made two crucial additions in Preston Smith and Mike Williams, and both acquisitions have already paid off for Pittsburgh. Smith adds valuable depth and production at outside linebacker, while Williams is another deep-ball threat alongside George Pickens. The two players each made their mark in their first game in the black and gold, as they each contributed during Pittsburgh's Week 10 victory over the Washington Commanders.

Williams was a known trade target of the Steelers. The organization had been looking for help at wide receiver for quite some time, and they certainly found help in the veteran. Smith was a bit of a surprise, as the organization acquired him from the Green Bay Packers for just a seventh-round pick.

Former Steelers Offensive Coordinator Todd Haley took to social media on Thursday to praise the acquisition of Smith, and highlight the work of Khan and Head Coach Mike Tomlin.

Unfortunately, the Steelers will be relying on Smith more than they intended to. Star outside linebacker Alex Highsmith went down with a sprained ankle late in the win over the Commanders that will keep him sidelined for a couple of weeks, which means Smith will see more playing time. This makes this move from the Steelers even better as Smith is a clear upgrade behind Highsmith.

Aside from Highsmith, one of Pittsburgh's other outside linebackers has been struggling with an injury. Nick Herbig has been dealing with a hamstring issue that has caused him to miss considerable time. He returned to practice in a limited capacity while the team was preparing for Washington, but could not play in the game. He is expected to be able to go against the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, where he and Smith will likely split the workload of Highsmith.

Herbig has been highly effective when he is healthy, and Smith showed against Washington that he can be a productive piece for the Steelers' defense. In the win over Washington, Smith played just 23 snaps on defense, but recorded three tackles, two tackles for a loss, and a sack. Herbig himself has recorded 2.5 sacks in just five games, so the Steelers should still be able to get decent production opposite of TJ Watt, even with Highsmith out.

Overall, acquiring Smith at the trade deadline was a great move from Khan that couldn't have been made without incredible foresight. Both Highsmith and Herbig had each missed time in 2024, so it was smart bringing in quality depth at the position.

Steelers Easily Won The NFL's 2024 Trade Deadline

The Steelers have been in the market for a wide receiver since the 2024 offseason, and some fans were disappointed the team didn't acquire a bigger name at the position. However, Williams came in and made an impact right away, despite seeing limited snaps. The wide receiver only played nine offensive snaps total against Washington, but he made the biggest play of the game. Russell Wilson was able to hit Williams for a 32-yard touchdown late in the fourth quarter to give Pittsburgh a one point lead, and that touchdown wound up being the game-winner.

Williams was only in the game due to an injury to Calvin Austin III, and the veteran certainly stepped up in a big moment. He should see the field more moving forward as his chemistry with Wilson continues to grow and he gets more comfortable within the offense.

What do you think about Haley chiming in on the Steelers' moves at the trade deadline? Let us know in the comments below!

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