Former Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman Trai Essex cautions to not give up on running back Kaleb Johnson after a rocky rookie season.
Johnson, the team's third-round pick out of Iowa, did not do much in his rookie season. He appeared in 10 games and rushed for a total of 69 yards on 28 carries and caught one pass for nine yards.
A crucial gaffe on a kickoff in Week 2 that cost the Steelers against the eventual Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks put him in the doghouse, and an unexpectedly strong performance from eventual Steelers MVP Kenneth Gainwell kept Johnson from being able to earn another opportunity.'
Pittsburgh Steelers running backs Jaylen Warren and Kaleb Johnson celebrate a touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts on Nov. 2, 2025. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
But despite that, speaking on his Snap Count podcast with Charlie Batch earlier this week, Essex said the Steelers should not give up on Johnson becoming a significant part of the team's future, especially with a new coaching staff coming in that won't make Johnson carry his 2025 baggage and that will be bringing in a new offensive scheme.
"I don't think the book, or the chapter has closed on Kaleb Johnson ," Essex said. "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 new offensive line coach James Campen . He seems to be very strong when it comes to zone-read type running plays. Hopefully he can find a place; he showed some ability."
The other factor at play in Johnson's future is that Gainwell is a free agent, and after a career year, he very well could find a green pasture than Pittsburgh going forward. The Steelers already have Jaylen Warren under contract for the next two seasons at a cap hit of over $7 million per season, and general manager Omar Khan could be hesitant to add another highly paid running back to the mix.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now : Arrow Up for Kaleb Johnson in 2026? Ex-Steelers OL Still Sees Potential
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