NBC Sports has ranked Pittsburgh Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert as the second-best in the NFL.
“Despite last year’s collapse, Colbert’s 21st century team building is rivaled by only one man: Bill Belichick,” NBC Sports’ Patrick Daugherty. “Colbert’s squads have posted one losing season in 21 years, winning 10-plus games 13 times. The past two seasons have produced 20 total victories despite some of the league’s shakiest quarterback play, speaking to the depth Colbert has assembled.”
Colbert has made some key signings this offseason to bolster the roster, including Trai Turner and Melvin Ingram, but Pittsburgh’s roster still has holes. Daugherty think this year will test Colbert’s team building more than ever.
“It will be severely tested in 2021, with QB remaining a trouble spot as the offensive line churns,” Daugherty wrote. “Although there remains an impressive talent base on defense, the cornerback group is a variable. Colbert has always had the answers, but Ben Roethlisberger’s fade under center is his biggest question in more than a decade. “
While it remains unclear if he will stick around to steer Pittsburgh through the post-Roethlisberger era, Daugherty believes there is no one better equipped for the task than Colbert.
“There has been scuttlebutt that Colbert may not even try to answer it, retiring at the same time as his signal caller,” Daughtery writes. “If he sticks with it, no one will be better equipped to lead the Steelers into their next iteration than Colbert.”
Colbert signed a one-year extension in March that will keep him in Pittsburgh through the 2022 NFL Draft.
The 64-year-old Colbert is entering his 22nd season with the Steelers organization. Pittsburgh has won two Super Bowls, three AFC Championships and ten division titles over his tenure.
Only the New England Patriots’ Bill Belichick is ranked ahead of Colbert.