During the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine, Pittsburgh Steelers general manager Omar Khan reiterated his unwavering belief in quarterback Kenny Pickett’s ability to lead the team’s offense, despite Pickett’s struggles toward the end of the 2023 season.
“I have full faith in Kenny Pickett,” Khan stated, emphasizing his confidence in the young quarterback’s potential. “We feel really good about him.”
Despite finishing 28th in offensive rankings last season, the Steelers have high hopes for Pickett under the guidance of new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, aiming to address the team’s offensive shortcomings from the previous year.
Pickett, a 2022 first-round pick, faced challenges during the 2023 season, with a decline in performance compared to his rookie year. However, Khan remains optimistic about Pickett’s future, recognizing the need for improvement and the potential impact of coaching changes.
While expressing support for Pickett, Khan also acknowledged the importance of competition within the quarterback position, indicating that the Steelers will explore all options to strengthen the team’s depth.
“We’ll look at every option,” Khan affirmed. “We have one guy under contract, that’s Kenny Pickett…but he knows there’s going to be competition in the room.”
Despite Khan’s confidence in Pickett, he emphasized the need for alternatives, mentioning the possibility of bringing back Mason Rudolph, who stepped up in Pickett’s absence and led the team to a postseason berth with notable performances.
“We’d like to have him back, and I believe he wants to come back and compete,” Khan said regarding Rudolph, who is set to become a free agent.
As the Steelers approach the upcoming season, Khan’s statements suggest a commitment to fostering competition while keeping faith in Pickett’s development, indicating a potential mix of continuity and change within the team’s quarterback room.
