Kaleb Johnson’s NFL Journey: From Iowa Stardom to Steelers’ Roster Bubble
Kaleb Johnson, the former Iowa Hawkeye standout, has found himself at a crossroads in his NFL career. After a stellar final season with the Hawkeyes, where he rushed for 1,537 yards and set a program record with 21 rushing touchdowns, Johnson’s transition to the professional level has been rocky. In his rookie year, he managed just 69 yards on 28 carries across 10 games, a far cry from his collegiate dominance. Now, with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Johnson faces an uncertain future as the team evaluates its running back depth.
According to The Athletic’s Mike DeFabo, Johnson is in real danger of being cut before the regular season begins. DeFabo notes that cutting a third-round pick just one year after drafting him would be a tough look for the Steelers, but the trend is concerning. In the preseason opener, Johnson played behind both Travis Homer and Lew Nichols, not seeing his first carry until the third quarter. This limited opportunity suggests the coaching staff may be leaning toward other options, and a change of scenery could be beneficial for the young back.
Johnson’s potential fit in a new system, particularly one like the Green Bay Packers’ under head coach Matt LaFleur, could be a natural match. LaFleur’s running scheme often emphasizes zone runs and cutback lanes, which played to Johnson’s strengths in college. A fresh start might allow Johnson to rediscover the form that made him a record-setting back in the Big Ten.
Meanwhile, the NFL is closely monitoring off-field matters involving other players, including Josh Jacobs, who remains on the commissioner’s exempt list. The league’s statement emphasizes that the matter is under review, and Jacobs’ agent has vehemently denied the allegations, citing early-stage investigation and undisclosed evidence. As the regular season approaches, fantasy football managers and fans alike are watching these developments closely, with draft day looming on September 9. For Johnson, the next few weeks will be critical in determining whether he stays in Pittsburgh or finds a new home where he can thrive.
Shimanta Das 
