The Pittsburgh Steelers' quarterback situation has been, and will be, the biggest talking point of their offseason until it is ultimately settled. General manager Omar Khan knows that, so it's no surprise that he was ready to discuss the topic while taking questions at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis this week.
Among many questions asked, one from The Athletic's Mike DeFabo stood out as a clear indicator of the Steelers' focus when it comes to QB.
Does Omar Khan plan to consider other free agent QBs or only Aaron Rodgers? pic.twitter.com/a8bsaXJRo2
— Mike DeFabo (@MikeDeFabo) February 24, 2026
When asked by DeFabo about whether he would consider other QB free agents outside of Aaron Rodgers, Khan had this to say.
"I'd say all options are on the table. I'll say this, we would certainly welcome Aaron (Rodgers) back. It was a really good experience with him. Really enjoyed getting to know him, and he was great to have around. But the reality is, we're all searching for the next guy, that next 10-15 year guy."
Pittsburgh Steelers GM Omar Khan makes his focus on the future at QB clear at the NFL Combine
That certainly sounds like a man who wants to finally get off the QB carousel he has been on ever since taking over for the previous Steelers GM, Kevin Colbert. From the failed Kenny Pickett experiment to the lackluster Justin Fields/Russell Wilson pairing, Khan has had to try to work around not having a franchise QB for far too long.
Even Rodgers, a sizable upgrade from what he has had previously, is very limited due to his advanced age. Despite his interest in another year with him under center, Khan's comment about finding the next long-term starter was notable for a host of reasons. Not only does it suggest that the Steelers could have an interest in giving 2025 sixth-round pick Will Howard an opportunity, but it adds intrigue to the Steelers' draft plans.
With multiple Day Two picks this year, could the Steelers take a flyer on one of the many developmental QBs in the 2026 class? Perhaps they even have interest in consensus No.2 QB Ty Simpson at pick 21? As Khan said himself, all options seem on the table, as they should be.
While I may personally disagree with the idea of taking a QB in this year's draft, Pittsburgh can't wait forever to take another swing. Taking another QB later in the first round may give fans nightmares after Pickett's struggles, but would they rather keep swapping out veterans with no upside? It's a tough spot to be in, but Khan at least seems to understand that he has to look towards the future instead of living in the present.