Omar Khan Sends Simple Memo To Steelers’ QB Prospect Ty Simpson That He May Not Be Good Enough

Pittsburgh Steelers General Manager Omar Khan has always held most of his cards close to his chest. The team is entering a very fascinating period for the first time in almost two decades. There was a regime change at head coach, with Mike McCarthy now leading the way. The question on everyone's mind has been regarding the quarterback position and what the team will do to finally find a long-term solution. The 2026 NFL Draft class is not all that stout, which has led to a lot of doubt about the organization aggressively pursuing the position early on during the big weekend.

Throughout his tenure as general manager, it has been hard to get a read on Khan when he speaks publicly. He typically is very vague and doesn't go into too much detail regarding his plans. He has, in the past, however, lauded positional groups that his group will be scouting during the pre-draft process. Khan is not shy to mention that he is excited for certain opportunities that lie ahead.

One of the biggest challenges for the Steelers in the coming months will be figuring out if there is a signal-caller worth spending a high draft pick on. Given the collective of guys, the specific individual connected to the Steelers has been Alabama's Ty Simpson. He has already drawn comparisons to Kenny Pickett, which isn't exactly a great comparison to receive.

On Tuesday, Khan spoke to members of the media at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine. He was asked if he believes that there is a franchise-caliber signal-caller that will be available to Pittsburgh come the draft, and he declined to really compliment the class. This seemed to have hinted that he is not sold on any of the guys that could be on the board.

"There's some good players in here," Khan stated on Tuesday morning. "It's still early. We have to go through the process."

Khan had a great opportunity to talk positively about one of multiple signal-callers that will be eligible to be taken. Instead, he opted to go the political route and didn't give too much of an answer as to whether or not there was a franchise quarterback in the group. It's safe to say he wasn't even considering Fernando Mendoza, who is currently being viewed as the consensus first overall pick.

It would have been very easy for Khan to say that he sees a lot of good players that also could be the solution that the Steelers are looking for. Rather than doing that, his vagueness came off as a lack of confidence in the group. With Simpson being the popular option, it appears as if the quarterback will really have to prove himself to Pittsburgh's decision-makers.

Khan didn't rule out the possibility of the Steelers selecting a quarterback, but he also did not sound so confident that he would be investing in the position early on. This continues the cat and mouse game that he and the organization seem to be playing as it relates to potential draft plans. Sure, Khan didn't mention Simpson by name, but not having anything good to say is an indictment on how the front office leader in the Steel City may be thinking.

A lot can change leading up to the draft. Simpson could wow scouts, coaches and executives alike, leading to Pittsburgh all of a sudden not just having competition for now, but needing to make a move up the board to select him. Publicly, at least for now, however, all signs point to Khan not being impressed with any of his possible options, Simpson included.

Steelers Can't Go Many More Years Dragging Out Quarterback Solution

There will be a long-term starter in Pittsburgh at some point, but no one is quite sure when. The 2027 group of quarterbacks is expected to be years beyond the 2026 collective; however, back in 2025, the same things were said about the 2026 options. Overall, the organization does know that this can't go on for much longer, so it will be intriguing to see if Simpson, or someone else, can impress in the coming weeks.

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