Steelers' Practice Shows That They Have Officially Given Up On Kaleb Johnson

The Pittsburgh Steelers have gotten a lot of flak for how they have handled former third-round pick Kaleb Johnson. Obviously, everyone knows about the kickoff return blunder that he had early in 2025. After that, he was almost exclusively used in garbage time, as he never got a real chance to prove his worth that year. He was pretty much told to just sit on the bench and think about what he did, and that can ruin a young player's confidence. It felt like he just needed a couple legitimate shots. 

That real chance appeared to be happening. The Steelers hired an offensive-minded head coach in Mike McCarthy with the idea that this time, everything would finally be different. That blunder could finally be forgotten about. He even had some first-team reps in the early part of the offseason program. It looked like it was finally time for the Kaleb Johnson Show to come to Pittsburgh and explode onto the scene.

That seems to not be the case anymore. While making an appearance on 93.7 The Fan, insider Ray Fittipaldo explained exactly what's going on behind the scenes surrounding Johnson.

"It seems like [Kaleb Johnson] is really behind the 8-ball," Fittipaldo said. "You saw what happened in the game; everybody saw that. He didn't get in there until midway through the fourth [quarter], and then it's kind of been the same tune in practices. He's getting a few more reps because it's practice, but they're not really giving him many opportunities to show that he's worthy of staying. The big thing with Kaleb Johnson is unfortunately, for being a third-round pick, he apparently can't play special teams. If you're going to be a third-string running back, you better be able to play special teams, and he just can't do it."

Even with Rico Dowdle previously missing some time due to injury, Johnson is reportedly getting similar treatment to what happened in the preseason opener. He had five snaps in the game, and he recorded two carries for three yards. If he's just getting "a few more reps" in practice, then it's safe to say that this coaching staff has also lost faith him. 

A lot of people blew off his rough rookie season as Mike Tomlin punishing him for that one play, but that may not be the case. If this new staff is putting Johnson below the likes of Travis Homer and Lew Nichols without giving him much of a chance to play above them, then they clearly see whatever Tomlin and his staff saw. He just might not be cut out for the NFL. 

As Fittipaldo mentioned, Johnson can't play special teams. He reportedly got some reps at kickoff returner in training camp, but he never got that chance in that preseason game. If he won't see the field much on offense and can't play special teams, the Steelers may cut their losses and let him get a fresh start elsewhere. The upcoming preseason Week 2 game will confirm or deny all of this for sure.

Steelers Seem To Have Lost All Trade Value In Johnson

At the end of the day, Johnson is a former third-round pick that is entering his second season in the NFL. Theoretically, they could trade him away to a team that believes they can get some of this untapped potential out of him and help him develop into a quality player. After everything that's been going on, though, Pittsburgh can't expect much in a deal.

Between all the reports coming out of Pittsburgh, the total lack of usage, and the fact that he was getting screamed at for a mistake in his few preseason reps, why would any team pay for this kind of player? Even if they want to try and fix him, the Steelers have no leverage. It has become clear that they don't want him anymore. If they're lucky, they can ship him off along with a seventh-round pick in exchange for a sixth-round pick.

What do you think about the Steelers giving up on Johnson? Let us know on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.

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