Steelers GM keeps QB plans close to vest at NFL Scouting Combine

The Steelers are rumoured to be interested in signing or trading for every available quarterback this offseason. So, who exactly is involved?

The short answer is Kenny Pickett, Pittsburgh’s first-round pick in 2022. On Thursday, General Manager Omar Khan expressed “full faith” in the 25-year-old.

“We’re excited about Kenny and the impact Arthur Smith will have on the offence,” Khan told reporters at the NFL Scouting Combine.

Some fans were surprised to find that after 25 games, Pickett had only thrown 13 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. Even if Khan thought differently about Pickett, he would never criticise him because he is the Steelers’ lone quarterback under contract in 2024.

Pittsburgh has frequently stated that it intends to bring in competition for Pickett, and one name to watch is Mason Rudolph, a third-round pick by the Steelers in 2018.

Khan said he contacted Rudolph’s agency and informed them that the team “wants him to be a part of the process.”

Rudolph started the season’s final four games, including the wild-card game against the Bills, and threw for 945 yards, five touchdowns, and one interception.

Some believe Rudolph would prefer to start over somewhere else. If that’s the case, Pittsburgh will need to sign a quarterback or two in free agency and the 2024 NFL Draft.

When asked if he’d had any conversations about quarterbacks like the Bears’ Justin Fields, the Broncos’ Russell Wilson, and the Vikings’ Kirk Cousins, Khan didn’t back down.

“I have an obligation to look at every avenue that’s out there to try to make us a better football team,” Khan said in a statement.

The Steelers’ ideal scenario would be to enter training camp with an open competition between Pickett and Rudolph. However, those expecting for a more dramatic change at the position should not give up hope just yet.