Pittsburgh, PA – July 2, 2025
A Steelers legend ripped into GM Omar Khan for trading a star safety, igniting debate. His fiery critique, aired publicly, questions Pittsburgh’s direction amid a contentious offseason, per ESPN.
The Hall of Famer’s remarks targeted the trade sending a defensive cornerstone to Miami. His words expose tensions in Steeler Nation over Khan’s roster moves, per Steelers Depot.
Hines Ward blasted Khan on The Pivot Podcast: “I can’t believe y’all traded Minka! That’s even dumber than signing Rodgers. You’ve got eight starters over 30 and you’re calling it a rebuild? That’s just stupid.”
Steelers Hines Ward to Omar Khan: "I can’t believe y’all traded Minka! That’s even dumber than signing Rodgers. You’ve got eight starters over 30 and you’re calling it a rebuild? That’s just stupid." pic.twitter.com/u4FNLnHL0w
— NFL Fan (@HngLinhL341452) July 2, 2025
Ward’s critique slams the trade of Minkah Fitzpatrick for Jalen Ramsey, Jonnu Smith, and a 2027 pick swap. Fitzpatrick’s 18 interceptions were vital to Pittsburgh’s sixth-ranked defense, per NFL.com.
The “dumber than signing Rodgers” jab questions Khan’s $13.65 million deal for the 41-year-old QB. Ward sees an aging roster—Ramsey, Darius Slay, others over 30—as mislabeled “rebuild,” per The Athletic.
Fitzpatrick’s exit, alongside George Pickens’ trade, leaves safety and WR gaps. Khan’s moves, backed by $45 million cap space, prioritize veterans over youth, contradicting rebuild logic, per Spotrac.
Mike Tomlin defended Khan, saying, “We’re building a contender,” per Steelers.com. Yet, Ward’s words resonate, warning that trading a three-time All-Pro risks Pittsburgh’s identity, per Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
As training camp looms, Ward’s rant fuels debate. Can Khan’s strategy deliver Super Bowl LX? Steeler Nation demands answers. Stay tuned to ESPN for updates.
