In recent years, the Steelers have displayed a willingness to part with talent, something former QB Ben Roethlisberger is unaccustomed to. Sure, he has seen the team go through some lean years that prompted some tough decisions, but this is different. Under GM Omar Khan, they are making moves purely based on talent and personality, rather than cap compliance.
This year, the Steelers have parted ways with some major pieces that helped define their most recent rosters. In free agency, they let RB Najee Harris walk. They later traded WR George Pickens, then sent S Minkah Fitzpatrick off, as well.