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Pittsburgh Steelers Stock Watch: Naming the biggest risers of the offseason ahead of 2025 training camp

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Rob Gregson | Last updated Jun 16, 2025 7:30 AM ET

The next time the Pittsburgh Steelers gather as a team, it will signal the start of their 2025 season.

Training camp in Latrobe is a mere five weeks away.

So, after a busy offseason and three recent weeks of practices, what better time than now to value the Steelers' stock and those who are on the rise?

Bulls

QB Aaron Rodgers

For a good amount of time, it felt like a lot of people (some even inside the Steelers building) were over the whole Aaron Rodgers saga. But then came last week's mandatory minicamp, and what happened was exactly what you might think.

Rodgers spoke to joining Pittsburgh due to their culture and continuity. He said that he continued playing football because he wanted to make a decision that was best for his soul, not his ego. It was clear to most in attendance at practice that his release is still lightning quick and that there was an aura around him and the offense.

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Combine all that with the fact he will be two years removed from his Achilles injury and in a much more stable organization to say the least (sorry New York Jets) and things are pointing up for Rodgers.

WR Calvin Austin III

Nothing is clearer in Pittsburgh than the top two names on the WR depth chart. Number one is obviously DK Metcalf, but Steelers WR coach Zach Azzanni made sure everybody knew that CAIII was the clear-cut WR #2 heading into camp, no matter what is out there in terms of external additions.

Azzanni raved over Austin's playmaking, toughness, and ability to win despite being diminutive by NFL standards. So while it may not stay that way forever, at least for right now, it's very clear that he's the best of the rest not named DK Metcalf in Pittsburgh.

Steelers WR coach Zach Azzanni emphatically declares Calvin Austin III as the Steelers WR2 pic.twitter.com/O0u7BanlgK
— Chris Adamski (@C_AdamskiTrib) June 11, 2025

RB Kaleb Johnson

I know that Johnson may have been a third round pick, but the way he's been talked about since draft day, on top of historical precedent under Coach Tomlin, points to him starting sooner rather than later.

Some solid footwork from #Steelers rookie RB Kaleb Johnson during Wednesday’s OTA. The weighted ball at the end stood no chance. #HereWeGo pic.twitter.com/EE6EQjChbS
— Brendan Howe (@bybrendanhowe) May 29, 2025

Arthur Smith raved over Johnson when the Steelers drafted him, noting his instincts and fit in his zone scheme. That didn't slow down when everyone got together, as Smith was noncommittal in naming Jaylen Warren the starting RB, going as far to say that "It'll work itself out."

Then, when you look at the last three running backs to start for Mike Tomlin (Le'Veon Bell, James Conner, Najee Harris), you see a common factor of size that is obvious given Johnson's frame.

It feels like a matter of when, not if, he starts in 2025.