GM Omar Khan reveals the crucial AFC North grit and cold-weather toughness the Pittsburgh Steelers demand in their future franchise QB.
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ search for a franchise quarterback will likely still be going at this time next year.
The Steelers aren’t going to find a long-term quarterback in this year’s draft, as they don’t pick until No. 21. Free agency won’t provide an opportunity to sign such a player. A trade seems unlikely because teams don’t give up franchise QBs very often.
So, Pittsburgh will again go with a stopgap solution next season as they still try to replace Ben Roethlisberger, who retired after the 2021 season. It seems most likely that Aaron Rodgers will return for a second season despite being the oldest player in the NFL at 42. Rodgers is a free agent after leading the Steelers to their first AFC North title since 2020.
In the meantime, Pittsburgh will continue their hunt for a long-term answer at the most important position in football. That leads to the question of exactly what the Steelers are looking for in a franchise quarterback.
General manager Omar Kahn was asked that question on Tuesday during the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. He gave an interesting answer.
"It's got to be an AFC North quarterback,” Khan said.
So, what kind of QB would help Pittsburgh consistently win a division with the Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, and Cleveland Browns?
"Playing in the AFC North, there's nothing like it, the cold weather, the rivalries, the division, the physicality of the division,” Khan said. “We have to find someone who can handle it.”
Steelers third-string quarterback Will Howard intrigues Khan and new coach Mike McCarthy. Howard was a sixth-round draft pick last year after leading Ohio State to the national championship.
However, Howard was unable to take a snap in either a preseason or a regular-season game in 2025 due to a hand injury.
“We're excited to work with Will,” Khan said. “We really liked him coming out last year. Unfortunately, he got hurt, and we didn't get a chance to see him in the preseason. We've watched the progression in practice, and it's been exciting. I know the new coaching staff, specifically Coach McCarthy, is excited to work with him.
"The one thing is the speed of the game, the anticipation. That just kind of comes with playing at this level. It's different than it is at the college level. We saw that improve every week. There's a lot to like."
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