Steelers Now
PITTSBURGH — If someone had said at this time last year that Kaleb Johnson would already be entering a pivotal season for his NFL career, many Steelers fans probably wouldn’t have believed it.
When Pittsburgh selected Johnson in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft, the expectation was that the former Iowa standout would eventually become a major part of the Steelers’ backfield. Instead, his rookie season failed to live up to those expectations.
Despite remaining healthy for most of the year, Johnson never carved out a consistent role and finished the season with just 28 carries for 69 rushing yards. Now entering Year 2, he’s not only fighting for playing time, he could be fighting for a spot on Pittsburgh’s 53-man roster.
Johnson’s mindset entering his sophomore season has remained positive despite the disappointing start to his career.
“I know when my time comes, I’m gonna shine,” he said.
The confidence is encouraging because he’ll need it.
While much of Johnson’s lack of production as a rookie stemmed from Jaylen Warren continuing to establish himself as an important change-of-pace back and Kenneth Gainwell unexpectedly earning a significant role, the path to playing time may actually be even more difficult this season.
A new coaching staff could provide Johnson with a fresh start, but it’s also worth remembering that Mike McCarthy and his staff weren’t the group that drafted him.
One of the biggest reasons Johnson appealed to the previous coaching staff was how naturally his running style fit Arthur Smith’s outside-zone rushing attack. McCarthy’s offense, however, has historically leaned more toward the passing game while placing a premium on running backs who can contribute on all three downs.
That creates another challenge for Johnson.
Coming out of Iowa, one of the biggest concerns surrounding his game was his limited impact as a receiver and inconsistencies in pass protection. Those same issues played a role in limiting his opportunities as a rookie, and unless those areas improve, earning offensive snaps under McCarthy could prove even more difficult.
The competition has only intensified.
Jaylen Warren remains the favorite to lead the backfield, while Rico Dowdle reunites with McCarthy after spending four seasons in Dallas before joining Carolina in 2025. The Steelers also signed veteran Travis Homer, who should once again provide value on special teams, and drafted versatile Navy product Eli Heidenreich, who has spent time working with the running backs throughout OTAs.
With multiple backs competing for touches, Johnson enters training camp facing one of the most important offseasons of his young career.
The talent that made him a third-round pick is still there. Now, he’ll have to prove he can translate it into a meaningful role before time begins to run out.
20 • Kaleb Johnson, Running Back, Iowa
6-foot-1, 225 pounds, 22 years old, 2nd pro season
Acquired: The Steelers selected Johnson with the 83rd overall pick in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft after an All-American career at Iowa.
Last Year: Johnson’s rookie season...
