Omar Khan talks Steelers QB situation, George Pickens and more

The 2025 NFL Scouting Combine is quickly approaching, and that means it is time for both General Managers and Head Coaches to address the media before prospective players take to the podiums. For the Pittsburgh Steelers that just means GM Omar Khan meeting with the media, as Mike Tomlin has never met with the media at the Combine.

Tuesday Khan met with members of the media in an informal setting, and he addressed many different issues surrounding the Steelers as they prepare not just for the Combine, but the new league year starting on March 10th. Let’s break it down based on topics, and what Khan had to say…

State of the Steelers/QB Situation

Omar Khan at combine pic.twitter.com/1qfZoGBpCG

— Mark Kaboly (@MarkKaboly) February 25, 2025

As you can see in the video above from Mark Kaboly, Khan understands there is a lot of work still to be done at the quarterback position, and while the goal would be to keep either Russell Wilson or Justin Fields, there is no guarantee of that happening. The Steelers are going to have to put a great deal on the table for either of these two quarterbacks to stay in Pittsburgh and not test free agent waters.

Exit Meeting with George Pickens

Omar on his “solid” meeting with Pickens pic.twitter.com/3ibQAqVLgk

— Mark Kaboly (@MarkKaboly) February 25, 2025

When asked about George Pickens Omar Khan talked about the exit meeting he had with George Pickens, and how Pickens wants to be great in Pittsburgh. That all sounds great, until the organization makes a decision on whether or not they are going to negotiate a second contract with the talented receiver. Wide receiver remains a huge position of need for the Steelers this offseason, with or without Pickens.

QB will impact WR search

Steelers GM Omar Khan said which QB the Steelers sign could affect what kind of WR the team wants to add in FA

— Dale Lolley (@dlolley_pgh) February 25, 2025

An interesting nugget which came from Khan’s media availability was how he admitted the quarterback the Steelers have in 2025 will impact what kind of wide receiver the team wants to add. It makes sense when you think about it, but it just emphasizes how important it is for the Steelers to get a quarterback under contract as soon as physically possible.

Running Back Update

Steelers GM Omar Khan said he has spoken to the agent for RB Najee Harris and that door has not been closed on a return. Also said the team will tender RFA Jaylen Warren

— Dale Lolley (@dlolley_pgh) February 25, 2025

As was reported earlier this offseason, Khan admits the Steelers haven’t closed the door on a potential reunion with Najee Harris; however, the most likely result before the start of the new league year is the Steelers tendering Jaylen Warren to keep him on the roster in 2025. Keeping Warren doesn’t just make sense from a roster perspective, but also the fact they would have to rebuild yet another position from top-to-bottom if they were to not tender the running back.

Cole Holcomb Update

Omar Khan said LB Cole Holcomb wouldve been able to contribute if the Steelers had gone deeper in the playoffs

— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) February 25, 2025

Last season the Steelers ended the season with the 21-day return window open for Cole Holcomb, Roman Wilson and Logan Lee. Those players never were able to be activated with the season ending early, but Khan admitted Holcomb, and later said Wilson, would have been able to contribute if the season progressed further. For Holcomb, this is an interesting facet of the equation heading into 2025. The fact Holcomb could have played means he will likely be a viable option at ILB, and that could round out the room and remove the position from any team needs list this offseason.

Broderick Jones to LT

Omar Khan says it’s a “safe assumption” that Broderick Jones will start the offseason at left tackle

— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) February 25, 2025

We all expected Broderick Jones to be moved to left tackle, but with Troy Fautanu having an entire college career experience at left tackle some wondered if the team would keep Jones at right tackle and move Fautanu to left tackle? According to Khan, it’s a “safe assumption” Jones will be the left tackle moving forward, a position Jones has one game of experience with in his career. It might be time to sink or swim for the tackle filled with potential.

Free Agency Dollars

Steelers have already made a couple roster moves, and Omar Khan said more could come – but unlike years past, they have the luxury of cap space so they don’t have to rush those decisions.

— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) February 25, 2025

The Steelers have made some moves this offseason, and more could come before the start of the league year, but with the team having around $60 million dollars in salary cap space there is a really good chance the team just waits for the start of the new league year to start making serious moves, spending a lot of the money they have at their disposal.

T.J. Watt a “Legacy” Player

Khan said he’s confident and hopeful TJ Watt will be like Hines Ward and Troy Polamalu and finish his career with the Steelers. Watt is entering the final year of his deal.

— Ray Fittipaldo (@rayfitt1) February 25, 2025

Khan was also asked about T.J. Watt’s pending contract, and he said he viewed Watt as other “legacy” players like Hines Ward and Troy Polamalu. Getting a contract extension done with T.J. Watt could also help create more cap space for the team this offseason. When will a deal get done? No one knows, but with Watt entering the final year of his current deal this will be a talking point until a deal gets done, or they risk him playing on the final year of his current contract.

Be sure to stay tuned to SCN for the latest news and notes surrounding the Steelers as they prepare for the NFL Scouting Combine and the start of the 2025 league year.