Steelers Believe 2025 Bust Kaleb Johnson Can Still 'Be Really Great'

Former offensive lineman Trai Essex says the team shouldn't give up on the young running back.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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Despite a disappointing rookie season in 2025, the Pittsburgh Steelers and former player Trai Essex believe running back Kaleb Johnson can still develop into a productive player. Johnson struggled to see the field on offense and made a crucial error on special teams, but with a new coaching staff in place, the team is optimistic he can turn things around in his second year.

Why it matters

The Steelers have drafted well in recent years, but Johnson was a rare miss as a third-round pick. If he can bounce back and become a contributor, it would be a big boost for the team's offense and backfield depth moving forward.

The details

Johnson had just 28 rushing attempts for 69 yards as a rookie, playing behind starter Jaylen Warren and the breakout season of Kenneth Gainwell. Essex, a former Steelers offensive lineman, believes Johnson's skill set could fit well in the team's new offensive scheme under coach Mike McCarthy and with the help of position coaches James Campen and Jahri Evans.

  • Johnson was a third-round pick by the Steelers in the 2025 NFL Draft.
  • He struggled through his rookie season in 2025, seeing limited playing time on offense and making a crucial error on special teams.
  • The Steelers are set to have a new coaching staff in 2026 under head coach Mike McCarthy.

The players

Kaleb Johnson

A running back drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft who had a disappointing rookie season but is expected to have a chance to turn things around under the team's new coaching staff.

Trai Essex

A former offensive lineman for the Pittsburgh Steelers who now hosts a podcast and believes Johnson can still develop into a productive player for the team.

Jaylen Warren

The starting running back for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2025 who played ahead of Johnson on the depth chart.

Kenneth Gainwell

A running back who emerged as a star for the Steelers in 2025 and is set to hit free agency, potentially opening up more opportunities for Johnson.

Mike McCarthy

The new head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, who is expected to implement a new offensive scheme that could benefit Johnson.

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What they’re saying

“I don't think the book, or the chapter has closed on Kaleb Johnson. I don't think they need to give up on him by any means, I think he showed some skill back there, I think he can be really great, depending on what kind of run scheme we are implementing with James Campen.”

— Trai Essex, Former Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman (Snap Count podcast)

What’s next

The Steelers will need to decide whether to re-sign Kenneth Gainwell in free agency or look to add another running back, which could impact Johnson's role and opportunities in 2026.

The takeaway

Despite a disappointing rookie season, the Steelers and their former players believe Kaleb Johnson still has the potential to develop into a productive player, especially with the team's new coaching staff in place. Johnson will have a chance to prove himself in his second year and earn a larger role in the offense.