Ever since the Pittsburgh Steelers hired Omar Khan to be their general manager, he has had to answer all kinds of questions about the quarterback position. His latest interviews at the 2026 Scouting Combine have been no different, as there may not be a single right answer to the conundrum this time around. He did say that all options are "on the table" while also expressing some interest and desire in getting Aaron Rodgers back for another season. At this point, they may as well try multiple options in hopes that one of them works.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers General Manager Omar Khan holds up a phone to his ear as he stands in the team's War Room during the 2025 NFL Draft.
Despite everything he said, insider Mike DeFabo has his doubts. In his latest column on The Athletic, he went down Khan's recent history of "lying" to the press during the combine. They don't call him "The Khan Artist" for nothing.
"As recent visits to Indianapolis have taught us, Khan’s interview sessions are often like a game of Two Truths and a Lie," DeFabo said. "Two years ago, Khan said that he had 'full faith' in Kenny Pickett — 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, 'Ideally, we’d like to keep one of the guys we had with us last year.' Then, he let both walk and waited months for Aaron Rodgers to sign."
With that put into perspective, Khan's answers suddenly become non-answers. Does he really want Rodgers back, or were those conversations with him about moving on in a different direction? History says that he uses the combine to set up more smokescreens in an attempt to gain leverage as opposed to being honest about what his plans are in the upcoming offseason each year.
Gene J. Puskar / Associated Press
Pittsburgh Steelers General Manager Omar Khan watches warmups before an NFL game between the Steelers and the New England Patriots in Pittsburgh in 2023.
As bad as it sounds, it does make sense for Khan to give the answers that he does in these interviews. If he told everyone that he had no faith in Kenny Pickett and was open to trading him away, the Steelers would likely have received less compensation for him than they already did. That also likely means that they would not have had the chance to draft Payton Wilson. These interviews are about playing chess, not revealing the full truth.
For years, the Steelers were unable to properly set up smokescreens, as the whole NFL knew what their plan was on an annual basis. Ever since Khan took over, however, they have been a bit more unpredictable in their offseason moves. That allows them to make better trades while not breaking the bank and mortgaging their future for big names like some other teams have done a lot in the past.
Steelers Benefit From Khan's Comments
If Khan was truly lying about Rodgers, there are multiple factors on it. For one, it could drive up his price a bit, as a team like the Minnesota Vikings may believe they have competition for him, which could lead to a fake "bidding war." While the Vikings are trying to win an artificial competition, the Steelers are looking around at other options to lead their team for 2026.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers looks down at his play sheet while he watches practice in street clothes as the team works out during 2025 training camp at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
That could also lower the price of other free agents and trade options. They may think that the Steelers will only make a move for the right price, and it would be much harder to fleece them. If Khan outright said that they don't want Rodgers anymore and want another big-time option, the prices would get severely inflated, and he would have to pay extra to sign or trade for a new starter.
What do you think about Khan possibly lying at the combine? Let us know on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.
#SteelerNation