Steelers Daily News & Links: Eisen Thinks Russ Will Be Back; When Will Khan Speak at the Combine?… read more

As the NFL offseason continues, there’s no shortage of news and speculation surrounding the Pittsburgh Steelers. With the 2023 NFL Draft just around the corner and the Scouting Combine underway, the Steelers are facing key decisions that will shape the future of the franchise. Today, we’ll dive into the latest headlines, including NFL Network’s Rich Eisen’s thoughts on Russell Wilson’s return to the Seattle Seahawks, and the much-anticipated speech by new Steelers general manager Omar Khan at the NFL Scouting Combine. Here’s what’s making waves in Steelers Nation today.

### Eisen Thinks Russ Will Be Back with the Seahawks

One of the most talked-about names in the NFL this offseason is quarterback Russell Wilson. After a less-than-stellar 2022 season with the Denver Broncos following his high-profile trade from the Seattle Seahawks, there has been speculation about his future. While many thought Wilson might be moved again or that the Broncos would explore a potential trade, NFL Network’s Rich Eisen shared his thoughts on the situation in a recent episode of his show.

Eisen’s stance on Wilson is clear: he believes that the quarterback will return to the Seattle Seahawks. Wilson, who spent the first decade of his career in Seattle and won a Super Bowl in 2014, is a household name with an established legacy in the Pacific Northwest. Despite a difficult season in Denver, where the Broncos’ offense struggled and Wilson’s play didn’t meet expectations, Eisen feels the Seahawks would be wise to bring Wilson back.

“I think Russell Wilson is going to end up back in Seattle,” Eisen said during his segment. “You can’t just erase what he’s done for that franchise. And while the trade to the Broncos was a big moment, I believe the Seahawks want to build around him once again. He’s their guy, and even though he’s had some struggles, I think Seattle will take a step back, reset, and see what they can do with him at the helm.”

Eisen’s comments come as a surprise to many, especially considering the widespread narrative that Wilson’s relationship with the Broncos may not be salvageable. However, Eisen’s opinion isn’t entirely without merit. The Seahawks have had success under Wilson for years, and while the team has shifted gears in recent seasons, the connection between Wilson and the franchise could be stronger than some expect.

If Wilson does indeed return to Seattle, it would have a ripple effect across the NFL. The Broncos, who gave up a significant amount in the trade for Wilson, would have to re-evaluate their quarterback situation, and the Seahawks would look to retool with their veteran leader under center. The Steelers themselves, in need of a long-term quarterback solution, will undoubtedly be watching closely as these developments unfold.

### The Steelers’ Offseason: What’s Next?

While the Wilson situation makes headlines, Steelers fans are more focused on the future of their own team. The Steelers are coming off a respectable 2022 season, where they finished 9-8 and narrowly missed out on a playoff spot. After a tough start to the season, rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett and head coach Mike Tomlin helped guide the team to a solid finish. But there’s no question that the team has areas for improvement if they want to contend for an AFC title.

For the Steelers, one of the biggest focuses this offseason will be building up their roster through free agency and the 2023 NFL Draft. With that in mind, the next big event on the NFL calendar is the Scouting Combine, which kicks off this week in Indianapolis. This event is critical for teams to evaluate prospects, especially those who could make an immediate impact for the Steelers.

The Steelers are expected to be active in both the draft and free agency, and one of the most important figures in this process is the team’s new general manager, Omar Khan. Khan, who took over as the Steelers’ GM following the retirement of Kevin Colbert, has big shoes to fill. While Colbert’s tenure was marked by stability and success, Khan is tasked with ensuring that the Steelers continue their legacy of sustained success. As fans eagerly anticipate the team’s next moves, the question remains: when will Omar Khan speak publicly at the Combine?

### When Will Omar Khan Speak at the Combine?

Steelers fans have been eagerly awaiting Omar Khan’s first public address as the team’s GM, and the NFL Scouting Combine presents the perfect opportunity for him to speak directly to the media. Historically, NFL general managers speak at the Combine to provide updates on their team’s needs, draft plans, and offseason strategies. This is the first real opportunity for fans to hear from the man in charge of the Steelers’ future.

As of now, the exact date of Khan’s media availability has yet to be confirmed, but it is expected to be early in the Combine schedule, likely on the first day of interviews. The Steelers’ brass, including Khan, head coach Mike Tomlin, and team executives, typically hold a press conference to discuss the team’s plans, where Khan will likely touch on several important topics.

One of the key areas of focus for Khan will be the Steelers’ plans for the draft. While the team has a solid core, there are positions of need that Khan will have to address, such as the offensive line, defensive secondary, and wide receiver. As one of the best drafters in the NFL, Khan will need to balance team needs with the availability of the best prospects. His first draft will be under immense scrutiny, and fans will be anxious to hear his thoughts on what kind of players the Steelers are targeting.

Another major question that will likely come up in Khan’s press conference is the Steelers’ strategy in free agency. With limited cap space, the Steelers have to be strategic about how they allocate resources. While Khan won’t reveal specific targets, he will likely discuss the team’s general approach to filling roster gaps. Free agency will play a significant role in shaping the roster, especially as the Steelers work to surround Kenny Pickett with the best supporting cast.

Khan’s press conference will also be an opportunity for him to discuss the overall direction of the franchise. The Steelers have been known for their consistency, and Khan will be tasked with maintaining that while pushing the team to improve. Expect him to talk about the Steelers’ culture, the importance of continued success, and how he plans to build a competitive team moving forward.

### What to Expect from the Steelers This Offseason

Looking ahead, there’s a sense of cautious optimism surrounding the Steelers. With a promising young quarterback in Kenny Pickett, an experienced head coach in Mike Tomlin, and a solid defense led by T.J. Watt and Cameron Heyward, the foundation is in place for a return to playoff contention. But as Khan prepares for his first offseason in charge, there are a few key areas that will determine the Steelers’ success in 2023.

**Offensive Line:** The Steelers’ offensive line was one of the league’s weaker units in 2022, and Khan will need to address this issue in both the draft and free agency. Improving the line will be critical for Pickett’s development and for the overall success of the offense.

**Defensive Secondary:** While the Steelers have one of the top pass rushes in the league, their secondary has been inconsistent. Adding a cornerback or safety could help bolster the defense, especially as the team faces high-powered offenses in the AFC North.

**Wide Receiver Depth:** While the Steelers have talented receivers in Diontae Johnson and George Pickens, there’s still a need for additional playmakers. Khan may look to add another wide receiver through the draft or free agency to provide more weapons for Pickett.

### Conclusion

The Pittsburgh Steelers’ offseason is shaping up to be a pivotal one, with Omar Khan taking the reins as general manager and preparing for the 2023 NFL Draft. As the Steelers look to retool their roster and build around Kenny Pickett, the Scouting Combine will be a crucial event to keep an eye on. Fans are also eager to hear from Khan, who will likely provide more clarity on the team’s plans moving forward.

Meanwhile, the rest of the NFL landscape is buzzing with developments, including Rich Eisen’s comments on Russell Wilson’s future with the Seattle Seahawks. As the offseason continues to unfold, Steelers Nation is sure to have plenty more to digest as they look forward to the next chapter of the franchise’s storied history. Stay tuned for more updates as the Steelers prepare to make their mark in 2023.

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