PIT Kaleb Johnson
NFL player. Position: RB. Team: PIT.
Quick Facts
- Position: RB
- Team: PIT (Pittsburgh Steelers)
- Draft: 2025 (3rd round)
- College: Iowa (Big Ten Running Back of the Year, consensus All-American)
2026 Outlook
Johnson enters his second year with an opportunity to expand his role in Pittsburgh's backfield. Selected in the third round of the 2025 draft, he arrived with high expectations after a standout Iowa career. His rookie season featured typical ups and downs: an early special teams mistake briefly landed him on the bench, and his offensive opportunities were limited behind Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell. However, this experience gave him a valuable introduction to NFL speed and expectations. With Gainwell now departed for Tampa Bay and both Warren and Rico Dowdle in the backfield, Johnson has a chance to earn a larger role if he continues to develop in pass protection and special teams. His combination of size, vision, and power offers a different dimension than either Warren or Dowdle, making him a potential contributor as the season unfolds if he earns the coaching staff's trust. (per Steelers 2026 Training Camp Preview: Running Backs)
Role / Depth Chart
Third on Steelers depth chart, competing for carries in a committee backfield. Path to offensive snaps depends on demonstrating reliability in pass protection and contributing on special teams. Could emerge as regular part of rotation as season progresses if he continues developing.
Recent News
- 2026-07-07 — Steelers 2026 Training Camp Preview: Running Backs - Johnson positioned to carve larger role with more development (Steelers 2026 Training Camp Preview: Running Backs)
Open Questions
- Will Johnson's second year in the NFL bring increased offensive opportunities, or will he remain primarily a special teams contributor?
- Can he develop quickly enough in pass protection to earn consistent playing time ahead of or alongside Warren/Dowdle?