Steelers Legend Sounds Off On Omar Khan For 2025 Mistake

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been attempting to find an answer at the quarterback position since the retirement of their franchise legend, Ben Roethlisberger. They drafted a quarterback in 2022, Kenny Pickett, who turned into a disaster. Since then, it has been a revolving door at the position. Pittsburgh has used band-aid solutions at the position. The Steelers remain a competitive team, so they find themselves in "no man's land" often when the draft rolls around. However, the organization has had plenty of opportunities to solve its quarterback problem, regardless of draft position. 

The Steelers have seemingly been reluctant to place all their chips on a young quarterback. General Manager Omar Khan has yet to draft a quarterback highly, and has relied on a carousel of veterans under center. 

The plan hasn't worked as Pittsburgh hasn't won a playoff game since 2017, and hasn't had a consistent quarterback since Roethlisberger hung up his cleats. The Steelers are still waiting on a decision from their starter last year, Aaron Rodgers, and drafting a quarterback doesn't seem likely due to the class being considered weak by many. 

The Steelers are speculated to be interested in bringing back Rodgers and have been busy adding weapons to their offense. They locked up their receiver room for years to come, and now are just missing someone to throw them the ball. While Rodgers may be a good fit to remain competitive, Pittsburgh has to look at its future. This is more than likely Rodgers' last season, and that leaves Pittsburgh with the same issue they've had for years: no consistency at the position. 

Steelers legend Rod Woodson appeared on a segment of The Rich Eisen Show and sounded off on the mistake that the Steelers made to not necessarily address the position in the 2025 NFL Draft. 

"Last year, Rich, they should have taken Jaxson Dart. He fell to them. It was the best opportunity for them to take a quarterback who has that swag, who fits into that Steeler mold and that Steeler culture and that standard," Woodson said. "So, now what are they looking for? They're looking for the quarterback of the future still."

The Steelers saw Dart fall into their laps at pick 21 last year. The quarterback from Ole Miss was there for the taking, but Pittsburgh decided to take Derrick Harmon. 

While Harmon hasn't played poorly at all, the Steelers still have a dire need for a quarterback of the future. The pick was there for the taking, and Rodgers still hadn't made his decision to play at that point. The reluctance to pick a quarterback at that draft position may be because of the Pickett mistake, or does Pittsburgh really think they're one vet quarterback away?

The young quarterback had a promising rookie campaign for the New York Giants in 2025. Dart started 12 games and threw for 2,272 yards and 15 touchdowns while adding 487 yards and nine touchdowns on the ground. 

Dart has the grit that Pittsburgh prides itself on. He put his body on the line at times and is proving to be a legitimate dual-threat quarterback. The Steelers could've definitely used his services, and his potential could have been unlocked with the help of known quarterback developer Mike McCarthy. 

Steelers Can't Be Afraid To Develop A Quarterback

The Steelers still have a young quarterback on their roster in Will Howard, their sixth-round pick from 2025. The Steelers could take a chance on him in 2026 if Rodgers decides to hang them up. 

Either way, Pittsburgh cannot be afraid to take a chance on a young arm. They have made a mistake in the past, as have all teams, and can't worried about taking the next step. The Steelers have not found success with their veteran quarterback plans, and could benefit from switching some things up. Howard has the confidence of many Steelers fans, and if given the opportunity, could be the answer to Pittsburgh's quarterback woes. 

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