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Pittsburgh Steelers General Manager Omar Khan faces a pivotal offseason at the quarterback position, with the future of the franchise hanging in the balance. While the team remains open to the return of veteran Aaron Rodgers, Khan emphasized at the NFL Scouting Combine that all options are on the table
as the Steelers search for their long-term solution under center.
The Steelers’ willingness to explore all avenues stems from the uncertainty surrounding Rodgers’ future. After joining the team last season, Rodgers’ experience was valued, but his availability for remains unconfirmed. Khan acknowledged the positive experience with Rodgers, stating, We certainly welcome Aaron back. It was a really good experience with him. We really enjoyed getting to know him, and he was great to have around.
However, the team is preparing for the possibility that Rodgers may retire or choose to play elsewhere.
Should Rodgers not return, the Steelers will be forced to consider a range of alternatives, including veteran free agents and potential trade targets. Names like Kirk Cousins, Malik Willis, Tua Tagovailoa, Kyler Murray, and Anthony Richardson have been mentioned as possibilities, though Khan and the organization recognize the limitations of the available options. The Steelers are acutely aware that simply relying on Mason Rudolph and Will Howard is not a viable long-term strategy.
The draft also presents a potential path forward, but the quarterback class is considered relatively weak. Alabama’s Ty Simpson is currently viewed as a potential first-round pick and the top quarterback prospect, but a significant drop-off in talent exists beyond him. Khan articulated the team’s overarching goal, stating, The reality is we’re all searching for that next guy. The next 10-to-15-year guy.
This search will be fluid
and will require a thorough evaluation of both veteran options and rookie prospects.
The Steelers’ situation is further complicated by their strong financial position. The team currently ranks among the league leaders in salary cap space, providing them with the flexibility to pursue both free agent acquisitions and potential trades. However, as one analysis points out, the available quarterbacks don’t necessarily warrant a significant investment of resources. The team’s cap space allows them to be players in the quarterback market, but the quality of the available players is a concern.
There’s a sense within the organization that they may prefer to avoid bringing in another short-term veteran solution if Rodgers doesn’t return. The team has already tried this approach with players like Mitch Trubisky and Russell Wilson in recent seasons, without finding a lasting answer. The preference appears to be for a younger player with long-term potential, even if that means taking a risk on a rookie or a developing prospect.
The free agent market offers some intriguing, if imperfect, options. Daniel Jones, recently with the Indianapolis Colts, is a potential candidate who could benefit from a change of scenery. He had a solid season, following a trajectory similar to quarterbacks like Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold who have found success after escaping challenging situations. However, Jones is not without his flaws, and the Steelers will need to carefully evaluate his fit within their offensive system.
The Steelers’ decision-making process will likely unfold in stages. The first priority is to receive a definitive answer from Rodgers regarding his plans for . If Rodgers commits to returning, the team will likely shift its focus to evaluating the draft class and identifying potential future starters. If Rodgers declines to return, the Steelers will need to aggressively pursue other options, potentially exploring both the free agent market and trade possibilities.
The team’s history of searching for a franchise quarterback since Ben Roethlisberger’s retirement has been marked by a variety of approaches – the draft (Kenny Pickett), free agency (Rodgers, Wilson, Trubisky), trades (Justin Fields), and utilizing existing personnel (Rudolph). None of these attempts have yielded a long-term solution, highlighting the difficulty of finding a quarterback capable of leading the Steelers to sustained success. The Steelers’ playoff victory drought underscores the urgency of finding a capable signal-caller.
the Steelers’ offseason will be defined by their ability to navigate a challenging quarterback market and identify a player who can provide stability and leadership for years to come. Khan’s commitment to exploring all options
suggests a willingness to consider all possibilities, but the team’s ultimate decision will likely hinge on a combination of factors, including Rodgers’ availability, the strength of the draft class, and the potential for acquiring a veteran quarterback through a trade or free agency.
