The Pittsburgh Steelers are very active in the offseason. But they are hardly improving. It’s blind activism. A commentary.

The Pittsburgh Ste(a)l-ers are becoming the Pittsburgh Reach-ers.

There’s no other way to sum up their recent offseason activities. It feels like someone’s bored playing NFL Madden franchise mode.

The Steelers are happily trading away players while neglecting other areas that need work. They’re not increasing their value at all. They’re just getting older.

Meanwhile, top star T.J. Watt is sulking and waiting for a contract that reflects his performance. The Steelers are trying hard, but they’re not convincing. Only a surprise performance once the ball starts rolling again can change that.

So far, it all looks like blind activism.

Pittsburgh Steelers: A soul for a soul

Omar Khan has been the general manager of the Pittsburgh Steelers since 2022. He is essentially leading the post-era of “Big Ben” Roethlisberger, the former franchise quarterback who retired in 2021.

In addition to the Kenny Picketts, Mitchell Trubiskys, and Mason Rudolphs (still there) of this world, Khan had a solid quarterback room with Russell Wilson and Justin Fields. He let both go. And brought in 41-year-old Aaron Rodgers.

The latter has been more notable for his media statements than his athletic achievements. He is already talking about the end of his career.

No improvement in the position, and Khan has been searching in vain for the franchise’s future for years.

Star receiver George Pickens (24) is being traded to the Dallas Cowboys, with D.K. Metcalf coming in for a big contract. (27). He is letting his team age again and, incidentally, starving his superstar T.J. Watt. Outsiders are being paid, while insiders are being allowed to leave. Without any certainty that the outsiders will work out.

The latest decision confirms this: 30-year-old Jalen Ramsey is being poached by the Miami Dolphins. The cornerback will receive a whopping 22.7 million euros for one season. Tight end Jonnu Smith (who turns 30 in August) is also coming. In return, defensive pillar Minkah Fitzpatrick is leaving the Steelers. The 28-year-old safety is returning to Miami.

Pittsburgh Steelers: The second oldest team

It continues. 28-year-old Van Jefferson was allowed to leave as a receiver. 33-year-old Robert Woods is coming in. What is the idea behind all these moves?

It feels like a player is being traded away and each time an older one is brought in without any significant increase in value. On the contrary.

And meanwhile, deserving players are waiting for their money. That causes unrest. And puts not only Khan but also successful coach Mike Tomlin in the hot seat. The team is acting like it’s in “win-now mode,” but it has everything except a “win-now team.”

The transactions are raising eyebrows. There’s no plan in sight other than to let the team age. With an average age of just under 27, they are the second oldest team in the league.

Pittsburgh Steelers: Old + F4, just different

Yes, experience can be important and valuable. The Washington Commanders are a good example of that. But they are building around their top rookie Jayden Daniels.

The Steelers are trying to make steals. But it looks more like a lot of reaches.

It’s doubtful that Tomlin will achieve a positive record and reach the playoffs again. And then they’ll have to pay the price for spending on older players.