Steelers GM Omar Khan subtly BLAMES quarterbacks for the affected ‘running back’ market as Bengals QB Joe Burrow eyes the biggest contract in NFL history
Khan suggests there are ways to pay the running backs their worth but every franchise handles situation differently.
Follow Us
Omar Khan (Image credit: Trevor Ruszkowski USA Today Sports)
The highlight of the 2023 offseason has been the contract fiasco surrounding the NFL running backs. Not being paid for what they are worth has left a section of the players unhappy. Several have come out and spoken against the devaluation of the position, like Najee Harris. Steelers General Manager Omar Khan has cited the reason behind it, pointing at the massive checks the quarterbacks take home.
“You don’t have to be a mathematician to figure it out,” Khan stated. “When quarterbacks’ salaries start increasing, it’s going to have an effect somewhere on the roster.”
As time has progressed, the quarterback market has increased at a rapid pace. In April 2023, the Philadelphia Eagles gave Jalen Hurts a $255 million contract. But just a few days later, the Baltimore Ravens made their quarterback Lamar Jackson the highest-paid player in the league with $260 million.
However, the money train did not stop there. On July 26, the Los Angeles Chargers shattered every record by extending Justin Herbert contract, worth $262.5 million. It was set to continue with the Bengals’ Joe Burrow, but his injury worries may delay the announcement.
Keeping that in mind, Omar Khan said,” Every franchise is going to handle things differently. The quarterback’s salaries are growing. There are ways to get around, but it’s just going to be a natural effect.”
Nevertheless, it has exceptions. The salary of Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo is only the 18th highest. Yet they did not give Josh Jacobs a new contract. Khan, when asked about whether Najee Harris would get similar treatment, told triblive.com: “I have not talked to Najee specifically about that. He’s a great Steeler and a great teammate.”
Related: Devon Achane Net Worth 2023: How rich is the Dolphins RB?
Omar Khan is looking forward to a long career with coach Mike Tomlin at Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers are one of the favorites of several analysts to go the distance this year. One of the reasons for that is their head coach, Mike Tomlin. But the 51-year-old’s time is quickly coming to an end unless the higher-ups decide to extend his stay. Despite the tight schedule, Tomlin is not bothered by it that much.
“I haven’t even thought about it,” Mike Tomlin said. “I don’t even think about contracts. I’m singularly focused.” He has led the Steelers for 17 years and has won two Super Bowls. According to the Pittsburg Post Gazette’s Gerry Dulac, Tomlin won’t be getting a new contract this offseason.
When GM Omar Khan was asked about his colleagues’ contract situation, he said it was not his department. But Khan wants to work with his head coach for several more years. Tomlin’s time with the Steelers will come to an end in 2025 unless the contract extension doesn’t come into play.
In case you missed it:
- Cowboys HC Mike McCarthy CLAIMS this is the best Dallas team he has coached under Dak Prescott’s leadership
- “I had my FOX hat on, and not my coaching hat!” Broncos HC Sean Payton takes a U-turn on his FEROCIOUS comments over Denver under Nathaniel Hackett’s leadership
Do follow us on: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
Stay Updated!
Ishan Misra
(3023 Articles Published)