Options, meet table. That’s been GM Omar Khan’s posture ever since succeeding Kevin Colbert. Until and unless a franchise quarterback emerges on the Pittsburgh Steelers’ roster, the team will look high and low at all possibilities. Even with the hope Aaron Rodgers returns in 2026, Khan isn’t ruling out any path for the short or long term.
“Right now, I’d say all options are on the table,” Khan told a gaggle of local reporters Tuesday at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, including our own Joe Clark. “We certainly welcome Aaron back. It was a really good experience with him. We really enjoyed getting know him, and he was great to have around.”
The posed question asked if Pittsburgh would consider other veteran quarterbacks beyond Rodgers. Until Rodgers affirms he’ll play for the Steelers in 2026, Khan and the organization must keep an open mind. The pool of candidates aren’t particularly attractive but if Rodgers chooses retirement or spurns Pittsburgh for another team, the Steelers can’t roll into the season with just Mason Rudolph and Will Howard.
Kirk Cousins, Malik Willis, and trade candidates like Tua Tagovailoa, Kyler Murray, and Anthony Richardson must be considered. Pittsburgh will be on this carousel until the team finds long-term QB stability.
“The reality is we’re all searching for that next guy. The next 10-to-15-year guy,” Khan said. “I guess right now all options are on the table. It’s still early. It’s just gonna be fluid.”
Step 1 is hoping Rodgers provides an answer before free agency. Should be rejoin the team, veteran options get taken off the table. From there, Khan and the Steelers will evaluate the rookie class to determine if there’s a quarterback worth drafting. Beginning with Alabama’s Ty Simpson, a potential first-round pick, and second-best quarterback of the class with a deep drop-off after – that is, assuming he’s even on the board.
If the Steelers don’t land him, they’ll have to calculate if a mid- or late-round selection is worth adding to the competition. Or if running back the same quarterback room as 2025 is the best course with the intent of making a run at a potentially excellent 2027 QB draft class.
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