Steelers Rookie Kaleb Johnson Loves Arthur Smith: "I'm Excited To Work With Him"

The Pittsburgh Steelers currently face depth issues at multiple areas on offense. With four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers still unable to provide an update on his future, the team finds themselves with no real starting caliber quarterback on their roster. After trading star wide receiver George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys in exchange for draft capital, the Steelers face concerns in the wide receiver room as well. As multiple areas on the Pittsburgh offense continue to draw red flags, the Steelers' running back room remains as strong as it has ever been.

After drafting rookie Kaleb Johnson with the 83rd overall pick in the third round, the Steelers running back room now features two rising stars in Johnson and Jaylen Warren. Warren, who was credited with a breakout year in 2023, is expected to be the Steelers' running back one (RB1) to start the season. Johnson, who has reportedly shined and has shown major flashes of his potential throughout the offseason, was an absolute star at the college level and was considered to be one of the late round steals of the draft by many. 

While speaking with the media, Johnson took a moment to give his thoughts on the Steelers' offense entering 2025, and even weighed in on his relationship with Steelers Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith.

"He was just very positive," Johnson stated in regards to Smith. "He let me know how I could fit into their scheme, and he was just being himself. That's what I respect more, is a person being themselves, so I'm excited to work with him."

Johnson, who played a pivotal role on Iowa's offense during his final season as a Hawkeye, is expected to take on a major workload in the Steelers' backfield come September. 

With the running back room emerging as one of the bright spots on a lackluster Pittsburgh offense, Head Coach Mike Tomlin and his staff have turned their attention towards acquiring veteran depth at both quarterback and wide receiver. 

As the Steelers continue to wait for Rodgers to make a decision in free agency, the team is expected to pursue a veteran wide receiver as well. With Pittsburgh's current wide receiver room consisting most notably of DK Metcalf, Calvin Austin lll, Robert Woods and Roman Wilson, the Steelers may emerge as a favorite to land former Pro Bowler Amari Cooper. Cooper, who was traded from the Cleveland Browns to the Buffalo Bills last season, would make an instant impact on the Steelers' offense and would be an elite wide receiver two (WR2) option behind Metcalf. 

Steelers Still Have Options In Free Agent Market

With multiple free agents continuing to emerge as potential targets for Pittsburgh, another name that fans should look out for is Keenan Allen. Allen, who is coming off a lone season with the Chicago Bears, would prove to be a major addition to the Steelers' wide receiver room. The former Bear has made six Pro Bowl appearances during his 12 seasons in the NFL, as Allen is not far removed from his prime and would still add elite firepower to any team lucky enough to sign him. 

While many veteran players remain available via free agency, the team may elect to use the talent that is already on the roster as well. As Austin lll and Wilson continue to impress during the offseason, Pittsburgh may opt to give the rising stars a chance to compete for the Steelers' WR2 slot.

With Mason Rudolph currently slated as the team's starting quarterback for Week 1, the Steelers are expected to continue their evaluation of former Ohio State quarterback Will Howard. Howard, who won a National Championship in his final season as a Buckeye, has reportedly looked very comfortable and has shined throughout the offseason too. Selected with the 185th pick in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, Howard is expected to earn a legitimate chance at Pittsburgh's starting quarterback role.

Do you think Johnson will have a breakout rookie season despite the other holes on offense? Let us know in the comments below!

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