Perhaps one of the biggest concerns when cutting a player from a roster is the potential for them to make you look foolish at their next stop. The Pittsburgh Steelers have some interesting players going into training camp who are on the roster bubble. Fans are always scared when the team makes certain cuts to players with high upside, even if they haven't turned that potential into results.
Forcing the Steelers to regret their decision to let them go is something a player would love to accomplish in that scenario. Kaleb Johnson is a prime example, as training camp approaches, of a player who could make Pittsburgh regret letting him go too soon. He is an explosive runner with the ball in his hands, but after a wasted rookie season, he has a lot to prove.
With a new coaching staff making the decisions, plus some interesting competition added in the offseason, it's unknown how Johnson is viewed within the organization.
The third-round pick from last year has a shot at hanging on to his roster spot, but he must show massive signs of growth. If not, he could get cut and potentially find a landing spot where he fits in better and excels.
Pittsburgh Steelers could regret including RB Kaleb Johnson during final roster cuts
With a Summer full of battles in front of him, Johnson must beat the odds not only to make the roster but also to earn snaps on offense. He showed during his rookie campaign that he isn't an effective returner, nor is he a reliable pass catcher. For the most part, Johnson is an explosive zone runner, which could go against what Pittsburgh's new regime is trying to accomplish.
After adding Rico Dowdle to pair with Jaylen Warren in free agency, any sort of offensive snaps going in Johnson's favor appear limited going into training camp.
The Steelers also added Eli Heidenreich during the NFL Draft, which also puts Johnson's fit on the roster into further question. Not only does the second-year back have to win a roster spot, but he must show more to his game.
Head coach Mike McCarthy wants players on his team who can provide more to the team than just their natural position. That means Johnson better have worked on his special teams abilities, pass catching, and pass protection during the offseason. He must show significant signs of growth in that department. Anything less than that will see him get cut later this Summer.
Letting Johnson go this year would be a bold admission of failure on the Steelers part.
If they do cut him, don't be shocked if the running back gets another shot elsewhere in a hurry. You cannot deny the production and explosiveness he showed during his time at Iowa. He is someone Pittsburgh could regret cutting in a hurry if he gets an expanded role elsewhere.
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