There’s no hiding it anymore—Omar Khan and the Pittsburgh Steelers front office are in win-now mode. After one of the most aggressive and headline-grabbing offseasons in franchise history, it’s clear that Pittsburgh isn’t just trying to compete—they’re aiming to dominate.
From the trade that brought DK Metcalf to town, to the signing of future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers, to the shocking acquisition of lockdown corner Jalen Ramsey, the Steelers have stacked their roster with All-Pro-caliber talent.
And just when fans thought the fireworks might be done, the Steelers put a bow on it all by locking in the heart and soul of their defense—T.J. Watt—with a three-year, $123 million contract extension.
The deal makes Watt the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL. It’s a statement, plain and simple.
But while Watt celebrates a well-earned payday, and the veterans prepare for a championship chase, one rookie quietly finds himself under the spotlight: running back Kaleb Johnson.
The third-round pick out of Iowa is entering a loaded locker room with sky-high expectations. Pittsburgh didn’t just build for the future this offseason—they built for right now. And with Najee Harris out of the picture, Johnson’s rookie year just got a whole lot more important.
At 6’0”, 225 pounds, Johnson brings the perfect mix of size, speed, and physicality. His college numbers were nothing short of impressive: 2,779 rushing yards, 30 rushing touchdowns, and an average of 5.5 yards per carry across his Iowa career.
Add in 8.3 yards per reception, and you’ve got a back built for modern NFL schemes—especially Arthur Smith’s.
The Pittsurgh Steelers need Kaleb Johnson to become a reliable offensive weapon
While Jaylen Warren is the clear-cut RB1 heading into 2025, it’s hard to imagine Pittsburgh not working Johnson into the game plan early and often.
Last year, Warren carried a 39.59% snap share while Harris led the way at 50.4%. With Harris now with the Chargers, those reps are up for grabs, and Johnson is the most likely candidate to step in and claim the secondary role.
But here’s where the pressure builds: with every major player now in place—Rodgers under center, Watt leading the defense, Metcalf stretching the field—the margin for rookie error shrinks.
Kaleb Johnson may have time to get his feet wet, but not much. The Steelers are built to win now, and every position must click to keep pace with expectations.
That’s not to say Johnson isn’t capable.
He’s been locked in all offseason, quietly grinding while the front office focused on finalizing contracts and assembling its war-ready roster. Now, it’s his turn. And he doesn’t need to be a superstar overnight—but he does need to show he can be reliable, explosive, and smart with the football.
The truth is, Pittsburgh hasn’t had this kind of energy in years.
The franchise has always been about grit and pride, but 2025 brings something new: urgency. This is a team on the brink of a breakthrough. For Kaleb Johnson, this season is his shot to be part of something special—and he’ll need to seize every snap like it’s his last.
With T.J. Watt’s deal now in the rearview mirror and the roster built from top to bottom, there’s no more waiting. It’s time for Kaleb Johnson—and the entire Steelers squad—to deliver.