Steelers' Kaleb Johnson Makes Startling Admission About Uncertain Future

The Pittsburgh Steelers expected Kaleb Johnson to bring power, vision and immediate upside to their backfield after selecting him in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Instead, his rookie campaign unraveled before he ever established a consistent offensive role.

A costly special teams mistake against the Seattle Seahawks became the defining moment of Johnson's first season. His confidence appeared to disappear afterward, and the former Iowa standout finished the year with only 28 carries for 69 yards across 10 appearances. Pittsburgh made him inactive for its final three contests.

Mike McCarthy's arrival offered the young running back a clean slate, but it did not guarantee him a place on the 53-man roster. Jaylen Warren and Rico Dowdle headline the room, leaving Johnson in a crucial fight for the third spot. Even he acknowledged that his standing remains unclear.

"No, I don't know where I stand because the sky's the limit for me," Johnson said after Pittsburgh's second preseason matchup. "I'm always thinking I'm above and beyond and always thinking about what I could do better. I just believe I could do better than what I did today and always have that mindset, always being mentally ready and physically ready also."

That uncertainty is striking for a recent third-round selection. Players carrying that level of draft investment generally receive patience, especially before beginning their second professional campaign. Johnson's situation feels different because his rookie struggles were so severe and an entirely new coaching staff has no attachment to where he was selected.

The 23-year-old did provide signs of life during the Steelers' 17-0 preseason loss to the New York Jets. He led the Steelers with 10 carries for 39 yards while adding two catches for 15 more. Those numbers were not spectacular, but Johnson generated 54 total yards within an offense that struggled throughout the night.

The most revealing part of his media availability came when he identified what must improve. Johnson understands that earning touches requires more than carrying the football. A reserve running back must protect the quarterback, contribute on passing downs and handle whatever assignment arrives without becoming a liability.

"I just feel like I could be more physical," Johnson said. "Just being more reliable on passing downs, getting out there and really putting people on their butts in pass protection, and just being reliable all around. That's my goal."

That answer shows encouraging self-awareness. Johnson's college tape demonstrated why Pittsburgh believed he could become an impact runner. He rushed for 1,537 yards and totaled 22 touchdowns during his final season for the Hawkeyes, consistently creating production through contact. The question was never whether he possessed enough natural ability to run the ball.

Reliability has become the real issue. McCarthy must trust that Johnson will identify pressure, meet a blitzing defender and keep Aaron Rodgers protected. The Steelers cannot risk exposing a quarterback who will turn 43 during the 2026 season because their third running back missed an assignment.

Special teams may also influence the decision. Johnson's infamous mistake against Seattle followed him throughout his first year, and reserve players rarely survive on rushing talent alone. Every rep away from the backfield presents another opportunity to prove he can be trusted.

Steelers Need Kaleb Johnson To Become Complete

Labeling Johnson a bust after one season would be premature, but the pressure is real. Draft status can create additional patience without delivering permanent security. McCarthy inherited the player rather than selecting him, allowing performance and dependability to outweigh organizational pride.

Johnson should still possess the inside track because his upside exceeds that of a typical roster-bubble option. His work against New York was a useful step, yet pass protection and overall consistency will determine whether the new regime believes he deserves continued development.

The talent that made Johnson a third-round pick has not vanished. His challenge is proving that one early mistake did not permanently damage his confidence. If he becomes reliable in every phase, Pittsburgh may finally uncover the difference-maker it expected.

Send your Steelers takes to me on X (@anthonyghalkias), and consider following for more Black and Gold coverage and discussion. Should Johnson remain on the roster, or has Pittsburgh already seen enough? I am always interested in different perspectives about position battles, coaching decisions and everything surrounding Steeler Nation.