Steelers' Omar Khan Revealing That "Strong Competition" Will Be Present For Kenny Pickett

The Pittsburgh Steelers' season ended with Mason Rudolph taking over the starting quarterback job and leading the team to the playoffs. Kenny Pickett's second season didn't go as planned as his year was plagued by injuries again and issues with his accuracy. Despite the struggles, the organization is committed to their 2022 first-round pick and still has plenty of confidence in him as he enters a huge third year. 

Steelers General Manager Omar Khan met with the media at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis on Thursday and expressed his confidence in the New Jersey native. 

"I have full faith in Kenny," Khan said in a clip posted on X by ESPN's Brooke Pryor. "He's shown us some good things. Obviously, there were some issues with the offense and I'm excited about the impact that Arthur Smith is going to have on him. Arthur is very optimistic about Kenny. I know they've communicated. We'll have some strong competition there."  

Smith will be tasked to take Pickett to the next level while implementing a strong rushing attack, something he was known for in previous NFL stops with the Tennessee Titans and the Atlanta Falcons. After a season and a bit under Matt Canada, Pickett will be expected to show more under Smith, who has serious play-calling experience that Canada lacked. 

Despite a strong belief in Pickett from Khan, Smith, and Mike Tomlin, the team will still need to fill out the quarterback room and provide competition to Pickett. The organization can't stand to enter the season without another potential option at quarterback with the way that the two previous seasons have gone for Pickett. 

Steelers' Khan Exploring All Avenues To Bring In Competition For Pickett

Khan is well aware that the team will need to insulate themselves at the quarterback position. He told the media that he's not closing the door on anything when it comes to looking for another signal-caller. 

In a clip posted on X by The Athletic's Mike DeFabo, Khan expressed that the front office will be pursuing all avenues to find a quarterback that can challenge Pickett. 

"We're looking at everything," he said. "I have an obligation to this organization, to the players, to the front office, to every member of Steeler Nation to look at every option and every way to improve this team. And we're going to do so." 

Khan said that it could be an outside free agent, a draft pick, or a return of Rudolph that comes in as competition. The team would like to have Rudolph back and have told his representation that. There's still plenty of offseason left for these questions to be answered, but, as it stands, the team is rolling along with Pickett. 

What did you think of Khan's comments on Pickett? Who do you think the best competition for Pickett would be? Comment below!

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