Steelers Won’t Change In-Season Negotiation Policy for Russell Wilson and Justin Fields
Pittsburgh Steelers general manager Omar Khan reiterated during a recent appearance on 93.7 The Fan that the team won’t change their in-season no-negotiation policy, even for quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, who will be free agents in 2025.
“I think it’s an awesome policy. That policy predates even before Kevin [Colbert] and I got here,” Khan said when asked if the Steelers would change their policy and sign Wilson or Fields to a new contract in-season. “Once we get into the season, I’m a believer it all should be focused on football. Obviously, there’s a business aspect to this, and that’s okay. That’s just part of it. But once we get into the season, it’s to focus on the season.”
Khan isn’t looking past 2024 at the quarterback position. He thinks everything will work itself out when the time comes.
“From my standpoint, I can just tell you I’m more worried about the quarterback for this year, and the rest of it will take shape after the season,” Khan said in regards to Wilson and Fields’ contracts. “But I’m focused on 2024 and winning that championship.”
The Steelers also have looming decisions on Najee Harris and Cam Heyward’s contracts. Khan also said on 93.7 The Fan that turning down Harris’ fifth-year option was a business decision, but nothing is out of the question for his future with the football team.
“It was a business decision that we had to make by I think it was May 2nd. Najee is awesome to have around here. We love him as a player and a person. Just because we didn’t pick up the option doesn’t exclude us from doing something with Najee for the long term,” Khan said. “I’d love to say he had a long career in Pittsburgh. He really represents us well on the field and off the field. It was just one of those things that we had to make a decision on. We just felt right now that was the right decision for everyone. I love Najee and would love to have him here long-term.”
Heyward wants a new contract from the team, but the sides do not appear to be close. In an interview with Mark Kaboly of The Athletic, Heyward said open to the possibility of playing anywhere if he can’t ink a deal with the Steelers.
“I have talked to my wife (Allie), and we know the reality, and we have had those talks, and she said it could be fun to play somewhere else,” Heyward said to Kaboly. “If that is what is needed to be done, then so be it.
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