The Pittsburgh Steelers find themselves with depth issues on multiple areas within the offense. After trading star wide receiver George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys and failing to re-sign both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, the Steelers currently do not have a true starting quarterback at their disposal. The team continues to have major problems within the wide receiver room as well, as the Steelers have virtually no reliable wide receiver depth outside of DK Metcalf. With multiple issues in both the quarterback and wide receiver rooms, the Steelers' lone bright spot on offense in 2025 will more than likely stem from the running back room.
UPI
Steelers' DK Metcalf makes a one-handed grab during his time with the Seattle Seahawks.
As the Steelers continue to prepare for the start of the 2025 season, rookie running back Kaleb Johnson continues to shine and turn heads throughout the offseason. Johnson, who was drafted by Pittsburgh with the 83rd pick in the third round, is a strong and crafty running back that brings elite size and speed to the Steelers' offense. The former Iowa Hawkeye is expected to begin the season as the team's running back two (RB2), as Jaylen Warren is slated to take the majority of the snaps to begin the year for Pittsburgh. As Johnson and the rest of the Steelers' offense continue to prepare towards the start of training camp, the rookie took a moment to give fans his thoughts as to what they may expect out of him during his first NFL season.
"I feel like I'm a versatile back," Johnson stated. "I feel like I could be a Derrick Henry back, or I could be a Dalvin Cook back, and I feel like that's what separates me from a lot of backs in the league and in this class that I came in with. Overall, I just feel like I'm a fast back, and I could be a strong back also."
As the Steelers continue to search for answers at quarterback and wide receiver, the team remains confident in both Warren and Johnson entering the 2025 season. Warren, who had a breakout year in 2023, is expected to make a major impact on the Steelers' offense entering his first official season as the team's running back one (RB1).
Abigail Dean / Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren was been a welcomed surprise in 2023 as a productive complement to Najee Harris.
With Johnson continuing to shine and as the running back room continues to be the focal point of an underwhelming Steelers offense, Head Coach Mike Tomlin and his staff will continue to evaluate their options at both quarterback and wide receiver.
Steelers' Offensive Depth Remains Major Issue
With the current quarterback room consisting of Mason Rudolph, Skylar Thompson and Will Howard, the Steelers have kept a close eye on free agent quarterback Aaron Rodgers. As the team continues to wait for a decision from the future Hall of Fame quarterback, Howard continues to shine and prove himself as the rookie fights towards a starting role.
Howard, a five-year college veteran who split time at Kansas State and Ohio State, was an elite quarterback at the college level and may prove to be one of Pittsburgh's most important picks from draft night. Selected with the 185th pick in the sixth round, Howard was considered to be one of the many late-round steals of the draft by many. The former Buckeye has reportedly looked extremely comfortable throughout the offseason, as he continues to emerge as a legitimate starting option outside of Rudolph.
ESPN
Steelers' Will Howard throws the football during the College Football Playoff.
As for the receivers room, after a shocking trade that sent Pickens to the Cowboys, the Steelers' front offense will continue to be diligent in adding to the room, however they've also expressed their comfort in the current group. Metcalf, who was acquired by the Steelers after a trade with the Seattle Seahawks earlier in the offseason, is expected to make a major impact on the Steelers' offense as its top target. With Johnson and Warren looking to shine as the bright spots on the Steelers' offense out of the backfield, Pittsburgh is expected to address the depth issues at quarterback and wide receiver in the near future.
Do you think Johnson will shine in his rookie year? Comment below!
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