Steelers New RB Kaleb Johnson Has Already Been Putting In Work With Aaron Rodgers

The Pittsburgh Steelers have had a great draft so far in 2025, despite the organization not fulfilling most fans wishes of selecting a quarterback. Pittsburgh addressed the defensive line in the first round by selecting Derrick Harmon with the 21st overall pick, and the franchise then added a weapon on offense in running back Kaleb Johnson with the 83rd overall pick. Running back was a position of need for the Steelers, although it was a bit surprising to see the organization pass on Shedeur Sanders for a second time.

The organization probably has some good reasoning for not addressing the quarterback position within the first two days of the draft. It could already have its quarterback for the 2025 season in Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers is still a free agent, but he has been in communication with Pittsburgh and there is a chance the team already knows the veteran plans to sign with the Steelers. Johnson seems like an exciting prospect, and he is already familiar with Rodgers, who could be his next quarterback.

Johnson and Rodgers have spent some time together throughout the 2025 offseason, as it seems like they worked out together at the same training facility. This means there might be some familiarity in the backfield if Rodgers does end up wearing the black and gold during the 2025 season. Johnson will be a part of a solid rotation with Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell, with each back having their own special skillset.

NFL prospects and current NFL players are always training together throughout the offseason, so Rodgers and Johnson already having a relationship isn't anything crazy. However, it is quite the coincidence. Johnson is a bruising, downfield runner, and he should have some more burst than his predecessor Najee Harris.

Pittsburgh continuing to pass on the quarterback position should show that the organization is fairly confident in Rodgers eventually signing. The quarterback class in 2026 is expected to be much better, and Rodgers would be nothing more than a band aid at the position. The Steelers could wait to address quarterback until next year, while sticking it out with the four time MVP if he ends up signing a deal.

The Steelers want to win now, and drafting a back like Johnson while potentially signing Rodgers is a good way to do that.

Steelers' Kaleb Johnson Has Tremendous Upside

Some of the fan base in Pittsburgh is worried about Johnson becoming another version of Harris, but that is nothing to worry about. Harris only saw so much criticism because he was drafted in the first round, while the Steelers actually got a steal with Johnson as he was projected to go in the second round. 

Johnson had astounding production throughout his college career. He recorded over 1,500 yards on the ground in 2024, which is difficult to do in the Big Ten. It is also important to note that the offense at Iowa has been considered lackluster in recent years, but that is not on Johnson. The passing game has been subpar at best, which makes his numbers even more impressive as he was often seeing loaded boxes from the defense. Johnson can always be a factor in the passing game as he caught 22 passes during the 2024 season.

The workload for Johnson will be interesting. He comes into a running back room with a good amount of experience from Warren and Gainwell. He and Warren will likely be considered the lead-backs, while Gainwell will play situationally. Warren is entering the 2025 season on a one-year deal, so Johnson could be the main work horse for Pittsburgh moving forward.