Howard was the first quarterback the Steelers selected in the NFL draft since Kenny Pickett's class. In 2022, Tomlin's team picked Pickett in the first round and South Dakota State Jackrabbits signal-caller Chris Oladokun in the seventh round.

Tomlin made it known during the NFL Draft that the team remains in contact with Rodgers and is having positive conversations. Rodgers perceived interest in the team has seemed to

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin provided an update on the team's pursuit of Aaron Rodgers in free agency. Tomlin revealed that the Steelers have had "really productive" discussions with Rodgers during a Saturday appearance on NFL Network. "We feel good about our plan at the position," Tomlin said.