First Call: Omar Khan on Cam Heyward’s future; Mike Tomlin explains team’s defensive area of need, praises departing players
Share this post:
Tuesday’s “First Call” features Omar Khan’s stance on Cam Heyward’s future with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Mike Tomlin comments on some of his departing players. He also bids farewell to Aaron Donald and identifies an important need on his team’s defense.
Plus, the Duquesne women’s basketball team survives a nail-biter in the WNIT.
Declarative statement
On Monday, Steelers GM Omar Khan was asked about the contract status of defensive lineman Cam Heyward.
Khan didn’t provide much context about how the team could perhaps restructure his $22.4 million salary-cap hit. But he did say that Heyward will be in a Steelers uniform in 2024, despite his current cost and recent injury woes.
“We’ll talk through those things,” Khan said. “There’s still a lot of time, but you know, Cam (Heyward) is going to be here. And so, we’ll figure it out.”
Then again, the last time Khan was that definitive about something with the media, he was telling us that he had “full faith” in Kenny Pickett. That was Feb. 29 at the NFL Scouting Combine. Less than three weeks later, Pickett was a Philadelphia Eagle.
So, we’ll reserve judgment.
Heyward is entering the final year of his contract. Last month, he was named Walter Payton Man of the Year in the NFL. The 35-year-old former All-Pro has already balked at the idea of taking a pay cut. Heyward missed six games because of groin injury issues. He totaled just two sacks and six tackles for loss. Those are the lowest numbers he has posted since he missed most of the 2016 season.
More sports
• Steelers GM Omar Khan surprised by overhaul of QB room, happy with new additions
• Stolen Jaromir Jagr bobbleheads have been found
• Previewing the Pirates: Michael A. Taylor cements CF, Edward Olivares adds OF depth
Of significant importance
Speaking at the NFL meeting in Orlando, Mike Tomlin identified a significant need for his team on the defensive side of the ball: slot corner.
However, the Steelers head coach was quick to point out that many teams in the NFL consider that a hole that needs to be filled.
“We’ve got some candidates, but, obviously, we’re probably still looking,” Tomlin said. “I think that’s the position that we’re all looking for and looking at annually because some of the demands that come in that position in the NFL are somewhat different than in college. In college, oftentimes, that guy is a safety-like guy. The coverage is so significant in the NFL that most of the time, that guy is a corner-like guy. So, I think we’re all kind of scouring that position annually and seeing what’s available in terms of ready-made talent.”
Via Steelers.com, free agent Chandon Sullivan played 422 snaps as a slot cornerback and allowed a 60.7 completion percentage in his coverage, but a quarterback rating of 59.4, which led the Steelers cornerbacks.
Patrick Peterson played a bit in the slot, but he has been released. And safety Minkah Fitzpatrick manned 134 downs from that spot on the field.
Sullivan, Peterson and Levi Wallace could all potentially return. But Tomlin sounds as if he may be looking for new blood at that position.
Nuthin’ but love
During his Monday media availability, Tomlin was asked about a number of departing Steelers, and he gave them all positive reviews on the way out the door.
• On Kenny Pickett going to Philadelphia: “I saw nothing but professional effort. He’s a heck of a dude. They’re getting a really good guy.”
As far as how good of a quarterback they are getting, I guess that’s to be determined.
• On Diontae Johnson going to Carolina: “You’re getting an awesome route runner. A guy that can create separation at the top of routes. A guy that’s tough to stay with. He could win in non-vertical route running and vertical route running. So, you’re getting a guy with a complete skill set in that regard, and I just think he’s going to be a big asset.”
Hmm. Sounds like a receiver that maybe would’ve been worth keeping then, since he didn’t request a trade, as Tomlin insisted. But I digress.
• On Chukwuma Okorafor going to New England: “They’re getting a very versatile, capable guy. A guy that’s starter-capable at both left and right tackle. A guy that’s accountable and professional.”
That “accountable and professional” description is interesting, seeing as how Okorafor was allegedly benched for something he said on the sidelines during a Week 8 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. After that, he barely saw the field again.
But perhaps Tomlin is trying to do some image rehab for Okorafor after one mistake as he heads to Foxborough.
Praise for a Pitt legend
Tomlin had praise for retiring Los Angeles Rams star Aaron Donald. The ex-Pitt Panther decided to call it a career after 10 years in the NFL.
“I’ve had the pleasure of knowing him since he was about 18 years old,” Tomlin said. “I just have witnessed his relationship that he has had with the game.”
Tomlin had fond memories of Donald’s work ethic shining through when he came back to work out at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex that the Steelers share with Pitt on the South Side.
“I’ve seen him getting out of his car when it was still very dark in the morning and working solo over the course of a 12-month calendar,” Tomlin continued. “I remember when the Rams won the Super Bowl (LVI), it was probably less than a week later. I saw him getting out of his car in Pittsburgh, Pa., with his sweats on and his bag going to work. And I think that’s just indicative of who he is as a football man and why he’s had the type of career he’s had and the impact on the game he’s had. The secret is there’s no secret. This guy has built that thing brick by brick, and I’m just so respectful of what he’s done and how he’s gone about it.”
The Penn Hills native is retiring after three NFL Defensive Player of the Year awards and eight first-team All-Pro nominations.
Still alive
The Duquesne men’s basketball team saw its season end in the NCAA Tournament’s second round on Saturday. But the women’s team isn’t done yet.
The Dukes won a 69-65 overtime contest over Monmouth at the UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse on Monday in the second round of the WNIT. Chartiers Valley product Megan McConnell led the team in scoring (16 points), rebounding (10) and assists (3). She also played 44 minutes.
McConnell with the reverse! Dukes take the lead!#GoDukes | @megg_mcconnell4 pic.twitter.com/QPpPh3loJF
— Duquesne Women's Basketball (@DuqWBB) March 26, 2024
The Dukes went on a 9-1 run over the final 1:03 of the fourth quarter to tie the score at 60-60. Valencia’s Lauren Wasylson scored all nine points.
Coach Dan Burt’s club goes to Purdue on Thursday for the next round.