INDIANAPOLIS, IN – Pittsburgh Steelers general manager Omar Khan was the first general manager to speak to the media in Indianapolis at the NFL Combine ahead of what will be a very crucial offseason for the franchise in the first year of the post-Mike Tomlin era.
The Steelers’ general manager addressed several lingering question marks pertaining to the roster, and these are my biggest takeaways from what he had to say.
Aaron Rodgers still up in the air
I asked Khan if Aaron Rodgers returning in 2026 was the preference of the organization. He said the “door is open” for Rodgers to return and that he and the four-time MVP have had multiple conversations, including as recent as last week. Khan also noted that Rodgers and Mike McCarthy have been in contact over the last several weeks.
“He knows how we feel about him,” Khan added. “Right now, we’re proceeding – he’s a free agent, he’s not on the roster – but he knows how we feel about him.”
A trade for a quarterback is on the table
I asked Khan if going a similar route to the one he went with the Justin Fields trade in 2024, or making a move similar to signing Russell Wilson, could take place this offseason.
“I’d say all options are on the table right now,” Khan said.
The Steelers have been connected to several quarterbacks over the last few weeks, including Malik Willis, Kyler Murray, Anthony Richardson, and Mac Jones. The latter three would all have to be acquired via trade, which is something Khan and the Steelers haven’t shied away from doing. If Rodgers doesn’t return, Pittsburgh will be one of the top names to watch on the trade market.
Two top free-agent cornerbacks could return
Chris Carter of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette asked Khan about James Pierre and Asante Samuel, who stepped into large roles for the Steelers in 2026. Khan made it known that the Steelers would like to have both players back.
“Both players are free agents, like you mentioned,” Khan said. “We’d like to have both of them back, and we’ll see how it shakes out.”
Darnell Washington is a priority long-term
The big tight end had a career-year in 2026, catching 31 passes, which topped his total of 26 from his first two seasons combined. Khan was asked by Mark Kaboly of The Pat McAfee Show if there is anything tough about evaluating Washington in a contract year, considering the current flux of tight ends they currently had.
“I’ll take 20 of [Darnell Washington],” Khan said. “He’s a guy we want here long-term.”
Don’t be surprised if the Steelers trade up in the draft
The Steelers have 12 picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, and it’s almost certain they will not use all of those on players. I asked Khan if having that many picks gives the organization more comfort in terms of getting aggressive to make a trade.
“We have options,” Khan said. “I’d love to stand here every year and say I have 12 picks.”
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