INDIANAPOLIS \u2014 All options are on the table.<\/p>\n
For the third consecutive year at the NFL Scouting Combine, that was Pittsburgh Steelers general manager Omar Khan\u2019s answer \u2014 or at least part of it \u2014 when asked in the 10th different way about his uncertain quarterback situation. What does it really mean?<\/p>\n
As recent visits to Indianapolis have taught us, Khan\u2019s interview sessions are often like a game of Two Truths and a Lie. Two years ago, Khan said that he had \u201cfull faith\u201d in Kenny Pickett \u2014 less than three weeks later, he traded Pickett and completely remodeled the QB room by signing Russell Wilson and trading for Justin Fields. Last offseason, Khan said \u201cideally we\u2019d like to keep one of the guys we had with us last year.\u201d Then, he let both walk and waited months for Aaron Rodgers to sign.<\/p>\n
Before we try to separate fact from fiction this time around, let\u2019s start with the full quote and context. I asked Khan if Rodgers is the only free-agent quarterback the team is considering, or if they\u2019ll evaluate other options.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019d say all options are on the table,\u201d Khan said. \u201cI\u2019ll say this, you know, we\u2019d certainly welcome Aaron back. It was a really good experience with him. Really enjoyed getting to know him. He was really great to have around. But the reality is, we\u2019re all searching for that next guy \u2014 the next 10-to-15-year guy \u2014 and so, you know, I guess right now, all options are on the table. It\u2019s still early. This is just going to be fluid.\u201d<\/p>\n
That quote is like the NFL combine version of The Rubin vase<\/a> \u2014 the image some people see as a vase, while other people see as two people staring at each other. In this case, some see Rodgers leading the Steelers out of the tunnel; others see Malik Willis or Will Howard. While it can be a dangerous game trying to decipher Khan\u2019s words, my sense is the Rodgers part was the most noteworthy \u2014 particularly in the greater context of Khan\u2019s full availability, comments from other members of the organization and the underwhelming alternatives.<\/p>\n Khan opened his press conference by bringing up Rodgers, unprompted, before a reporter had a chance to ask a question. While the Steelers haven\u2019t given Rodgers an official deadline, Khan said he spoke with the QB as recently as last week. While the Steelers were willing to remain patient through a long, drawn-out courtship that took until June last offseason, Khan added, \u201cI don\u2019t foresee this going like it did last year.\u201d One would think that Khan has a strong sense of where this is headed if he were willing to make that statement.<\/p>\n It\u2019s also worth noting how often the Steelers have expressed their desire for Rodgers to return. Art Rooney II said he\u2019s left the \u201cdoor open,\u201d<\/a> and new head coach Mike McCarthy took it a step further by saying he \u201cdefinitely\u201d would embrace a reunion<\/a> with his old Packers QB. In a variety of ways, Khan heaped praise upon Rodgers and said much of the same.<\/p>\n \u201cHe knows how we feel,\u201d Khan said. \u201cI think we know how he feels about us. It was a good experience for both sides. \u2026 There\u2019s a mutual respect there.\u201d<\/p>\n Based on all that, Rodgers appears to be the most likely candidate to hold the QB1 title this year. It sure seems the ball is in the 42-year-old\u2019s court to determine where the Steelers go next.<\/p>\n Theoretically, if Rodgers decides not to play in Pittsburgh, it would be important for the Steelers to know ahead of free agency, so they could then consider Willis, Colts QB Daniel Jones (assuming he isn\u2019t franchise tagged), Falcons QB Kirk Cousins, or someone else. Khan somewhat agreed with the assessment that the negotiating window on March 9 and free agency on March 11 are important dates to circle.<\/p>\n \u201cI mean, I don\u2019t really want to say it has to be done by then,\u201d Khan said. \u201cWe\u2019d like to have an idea, but you know, it just isn\u2019t going to go like it did last year.\u201d<\/p>\n As for the part about finding a quarterback for the next 10 to 15 years, that would be great if an obvious candidate were available. Other than throwing a fair amount of money at a Willis lottery ticket, there aren\u2019t a lot of options. Part of the reason the Steelers are in this uncertain state and appear to be leaning toward another season with a veteran Band-Aid is that there is not a clear path to a franchise quarterback.<\/p>\n \u201cWe may have the guy on the roster (in Howard),\u201d Khan said. \u201cWe don\u2019t know.\u201d<\/p>\n Khan and McCarthy recently sat down together to watch Howard\u2019s practice tape from last season. Khan made a point to say that McCarthy is high on the 2025 sixth-round pick.<\/p>\n This week in Indianapolis, the Steelers will need to begin to determine if one of the incoming quarterbacks is worth adding to the room. A significant part of that conversation hinges upon: How do the Steelers feel about Alabama\u2019s Ty Simpson, the one incoming rookie who realistically could be in their range in the first round? The other main quarterback to consider would be LSU\u2019s Garrett Nussmeier, a likely Day 2 pick. At some point in the draft, could the Steelers decide his upside is worth the investment?<\/p>\n We\u2019ll have more on those prospects as the combine continues. For now, here are more takeaways from Khan\u2019s interview sessions:<\/p>\n Broderick Jones\u2019 health and fifth-year option<\/p>\n Jones\u2019 health could be more of a factor than his underwhelming performance when it comes to his fifth-year option decision. Jones injured his neck in Week 12 and underwent surgery that ended his season. Asked if he\u2019ll be ready for training camp, Khan conceded \u201cit\u2019s a good question.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cObviously, he had a significant injury, and we\u2019re monitoring how he progresses,\u201d Khan said. \u201cI know he\u2019s working hard, and it\u2019s still early in the process.\u201d<\/p>\n By May 1, the Steelers have to decide if they want to pick up Jones\u2019s fifth-year option; Over the Cap projects that would come with a nearly $20.5 million price tag in 2027. While that\u2019s a hefty chunk of the salary cap, Dan Moore Jr. got the same per-year salary over four seasons after leading the league in sacks allowed.<\/p>\n