Kaleb Johnson

ANALYSIS
Although Johnson was a third-round pick by the Steelers in the 2025 NFL Draft, playing time was hard to come by during his rookie year, as he played double-digit offensive snaps in just one game. He was also a healthy scratch for the final three weeks of the regular season. Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell served as the Steelers' clear top running backs throughout the year. Johnson could have a chance to compete for more work in 2026 if Gainwell -- who is slated to become an unrestricted free agent during the offseason -- heads elsewhere. Even if Gainwell plays for another team next year, Johnson could face an uphill battle for playing time as long as Warren remains in Pittsburgh.

ANALYSIS
Johnson made a high-profile mistake on a kickoff return in Pittsburgh's Week 2 loss to the Seahawks, allowing the ball to bounce into the end zone and be recovered by Seattle for a touchdown. His error changed the momentum of the game, and he was replaced on the subsequent kickoff by Kenneth Gainwell. Coach Mike Tomlin didn't make any change official, but did make clear that Johnson will have to re-earn the trust of the coaching staff.