Omar Khan, the general manager of the Pittsburgh Steelers, addressed the media at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis two days after it was postponed. As we move closer to the start of the new league year, these are the most interesting nuggets that have drawn my attention.
At quarterback, Pittsburgh is open to any and all possibilities.
I questioned Khan about the organization’s plans to pursue a proven quarterback acquisition as aggressively as possible.
“We’re considering all of our options,” Khan stated. “At this time, we only have Kenny Pickett on our roster. He is aware of the competition, and we will explore all options.”
I asked #Steelers GM Omar Khan about how aggressive he plans on being when it comes to acquiring a proven quarterback.
“We’ll look at all avenues.” pic.twitter.com/YIHg78HARJ
— Jarrett Bailey (@JBaileyNFL) February 29, 2024
Although I wouldn’t anticipate a major deal involving Justin Fields or a major free agent signing like Kirk Cousins, there is a very slim probability that the Steelers will surprise everyone and make a significant acquisition. But I would anticipate a player similar to Mason Rudolph, Russell Wilson, or Ryan Tannehill. In relation to…
The Steelers want Mason Rudolph back
In response to a question from Mark Kaboly of The Athletic regarding the necessity of signing Mason Rudolph and getting him back, Khan stated that the Steelers have made contact with their previous third-round selection.
Khan stated, “We’ve had conversations, but that’s just the way the process works.” I’m not sure when the agreement will be completed, preferably with us, but we would like him to return.
Omar Khan on urgency of signing Mason Rudolph before new league year. pic.twitter.com/qIk7Y0976R
— Mark Kaboly (@MarkKaboly) February 29, 2024
My best guess is that the quarterback room will be Pickett, Rudolph, and insert the name of the fourth-round quarterback here.
The Steelers view Broderick Jones as a left tackle
Nick Farabaugh of Steelers I asked Khan about whether they plan to switch Broderick Jones to left tackle or if he’ll remain at right tackle, and Khan said Pittsburgh views him as a left tackle.
“He’s proven that he can play right tackle, but he was drafted to be a left tackle, and eventually he’ll be a left tackle.”
Asked Omar Khan about Broderick Jones’ spot next year.
Khan says ‘eventually he will be a left tackle’ and that he was ‘drafted to be a left tackle’. pic.twitter.com/Lpz6sJvgqM
— Nick Farabaugh (@FarabaughFB) February 29, 2024
The Steelers’ approach to attacking the opposite tackle position in free agency and the draft may alter if they decide to move Jones to the left side this season.
Nothing too exposing, of course. The Jones nugget is very interesting, though, particularly in light of the ambiguity surrounding the Steelers’ plans to strengthen at tackle and the specific tackle position they intend to target. Until the legal tampering period starts, everything is up in the air, but we have already seen in the past year that Khan will be more assertive than Kevin Colbert was, which is a positive development. We’ll soon enough learn what happens and what steps are taken.