After Week 2 of the season, the Pittsburgh Steelers should be concerned about rookie running back Kaleb Johnson. No, he's not a bust; it's too early to label him that. You can be worried about a young player without writing him off. He has had poor performances as a kick returner, but then again, Mike Tomlin threw him into a position where he has almost no experience playing.
Johnson has only had two carries on offense, which isn't enough for him to show his worth. Tomlin has the rookie in the doghouse, and it's unknown when he could get another shot. Making a trade might not be the end of the world for the rookie back. The Steelers don't need to make a trade right now, but it wouldn’t hurt to see what’s out there.
Acquiring a running back would help this roster, which is in desperate need of an upgrade. Johnson might need time to settle back into a role, so adding another back could help lower the dependence on Jaylen Warren. If Pittsburgh wants to go this route, the Denver Broncos have a healthy running back who has struggled to find a role this season. That back is Jaleel McLaughlin.
Pittsburgh Steelers top trade target to calm Kaleb Johnson's mistakes is Jaleel McLaughlin
McLaughlin has found himself as a gameday inactive, which is shocking considering the role he has played for the Broncos in recent years. He has produced respectable numbers in a limited role for the team. He could be seen as a lesser version of Warren to a degree.
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Despite only starting eight games over the past two years, Denver's running back produced solid numbers. He has amassed 906 rushing yards and two touchdowns. He might not have the all-around game the Steelers would prefer, but those available right now are slim pickings. If Johnson is in the doghouse, McLaughlin would be a solid trade piece who shouldn't cost much to acquire.
He is a former undrafted free agent coming out of the 2023 NFL Draft. He fought his way onto the Broncos and has been making an impact ever since. The Steelers would love to have a running back who can help out on special teams. McLaughlin hasn’t done much in that part of the game, but he has tried his hand at special teams before.
It’s tough to say what kind of player this back could turn into with a clean slate. On one hand, he has done wonders with a limited role, but on the other hand, he hasn't grown into a starter. Pittsburgh should make a trade call to Denver about McLaughlin if they are concerned about Johnson. They need to win now, and Warren cannot be their only option this season.