INDIANAPOLIS — When Omar Khan, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ general manager, was getting ready to speak to reporters at the NFL scouting combine this Tuesday, past events came to mind.
Just two years prior, after the Steelers concluded their second season featuring a struggling offense, ranked among the league’s worst and helmed by quarterback Kenny Pickett, a journalist inquired of Khan whether he maintained complete confidence in Pickett as he headed into his third year.
“We possess — I possess complete confidence in Kenny,” Khan stated on February 29, 2024. “He has demonstrated positive attributes, and clearly, the offense encountered certain difficulties. Furthermore, I am enthusiastic about the influence Arthur Smith will exert upon him.
“Arthur holds a very hopeful view of Kenny. I am aware they have conversed and indicated that robust competition will be present, and we will observe the outcome.”
Within fewer than fourteen days subsequent to this statement, the Steelers secured quarterback Justin Fields. By March 15, Kenny Pickett had become a Philadelphia Eagle, and Russell Wilson joined the Steelers by March 29.
While Khan had indeed hinted that the organization would welcome “intense rivalry,” the general manager’s proclamation of “total belief” quickly lost its credibility, almost unprecedentedly fast.
Therefore, when Khan addressed inquiries this week concerning the trajectory of four-time MVP Aaron Rodgers, a pertinent question arose: To what extent should supporters accept his declarations literally?
Last season, the Steelers secured Rodgers with a single-year contract, a move prompted by Rodgers’ desire to play under long-serving head coach Mike Tomlin. Rodgers achieved a 65.7% pass completion rate, totaling 3,322 yards, 24 touchdowns, and seven interceptions, guiding the Steelers to a postseason appearance and a home wild-card defeat. When Tomlin resigned just days afterward, team proprietor Art Rooney II commented, “Aaron arrived here to play for Mike, so I anticipate this will highly probably influence his choice.”
Definitiveness remains elusive.
Khan conveyed his desire this Tuesday for Rodgers to return for an additional season.
“The opportunity exists for Aaron to rejoin,” Khan stated. “I have engaged in discussions with him. I communicated with him last week. Mike McCarthy has also spoken with him, and he understands our sentiments regarding him. Currently, we are operating under the assumption that he is a free agent and is also rostered.
“However, he is aware of our regard for him.”
Will this culminate in a reconciliation?
Khan’s remarks concerning Rodgers specifically appeared to suggest that the decision rested solely with Rodgers. His potential comeback would signify not only his reintegration with his 2024 team but also a reunion with Mike McCarthy, his head coach for 13 years with the Green Bay Packers. Such a history and profound familiarity might influence Rodgers.
Nevertheless, the Steelers cannot afford to delay.
Should Rodgers not be Pittsburgh’s starting quarterback for 2026, who could take the role?
By appointing McCarthy instead of an emerging prospect, Rooney unequivocally indicated his disinterest in a rebuilding phase. His objective is immediate victory, which consequently demands a competent quarterback.
The Steelers chose Will Howard from Ohio State in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, though a broken finger on his throwing hand restricted Howard’s playing time. The 2026 NFL Draft is generally perceived as lacking depth in the quarterback position, whereas the 2027 class holds significant appeal for personnel managers. This confluence of factors could intensify the Steelers’ preference for Rodgers to act as a transitional player for an additional season, or it might compel Pittsburgh to entrust Howard with the starting role, with the acknowledgment that superior talent is merely a year away.
“Similar to all supporters, we are collectively seeking the subsequent foundational player,” Khan remarked. “The individual destined to be our quarterback for a decade to a decade and a half, and that could potentially be Will. We are uncertain…
“Regrettably, he sustained an injury, preventing us from observing him during the preseason; however, we have monitored his development in practice, which has been encouraging. I am aware that the new coaching personnel, particularly Coach McCarthy, anticipates collaborating with him eagerly.”
An unattached quarterback might also be a consideration for Pittsburgh.
On Tuesday, Khan repeatedly discussed the “adaptability” the Steelers possess by not allocating top-tier salaries to a quarterback. Nonetheless, even offering a prospective free agent such as Green Bay’s Malik Willis approximately $30 million annually would remain considerably less than the eleven league quarterbacks earning in excess of $50 million per year. The Steelers had sought Sam Darnold during the previous offseason when Minnesota released him, and he eventually inked a deal with the Seattle Seahawks, according to an individual familiar with the pursuit who spoke to Yahoo Sports. This approach could imply Pittsburgh’s readiness to invest in what executives consider a “mid-tier” quarterback, rather than exclusively focusing on developmental talents, if Rodgers opts not to come back.
On Tuesday, Khan faced questions regarding whether Rodgers’ decision as a free agent was confined solely to the Steelers or retirement, or if the 42-year-old would contemplate embarking on his 22nd season with a different organization.
“That query is best directed to Aaron,” Khan responded. “I mean, he is cognizant of our sentiments, and I believe we are aware of his feelings towards us. It proved to be a positive encounter for both parties. Regrettably, we did not achieve our objectives concerning victories in the games we aimed to secure at the conclusion, but a reciprocal esteem exists.”
Khan indicated that he does not anticipate the period of anticipation will extend until June, as occurred during the Steelers’ efforts to acquire Rodgers a year prior.
“The prevailing conditions exhibit slight differences,” Khan noted. “However, based on our discussions, I believe neither party desires for this situation to prolong as it did last year.”
As free agency approaches, a definitive choice from Rodgers would enable the Steelers to comprehensively grasp their alternatives before quarterbacks such as Willis, Kyler Murray of the Arizona Cardinals, and Tua Tagovailoa of the Miami Dolphins secure new teams. The Atlanta Falcons verified on Tuesday their intention to release seasoned player Kirk Cousins and not renew his contract, a move that will impact the complexities of quarterback supply and demand. However, acquiring Cousins to replicate a lesser iteration of Rodgers’ 2025 performance appears irrational.
Conversely, the Steelers will persist in maintaining the stance that they are awaiting Rodgers and keeping avenues open for his comeback. Their discussions during the free agency period, and potentially even their 30 pre-draft visits, could convey a divergent narrative.
Are the Steelers genuinely concentrating on Rodgers exclusively as their primary quarterback for the 2026 season?
Perchance supporters ought not to harbor complete conviction.
