The Pittsburgh Steelers may not be done reshuffling their backfield. After parting ways with former first-round pick Najee Harris this offseason, it briefly looked like Jaylen Warren would step into a lead role. But just days after Warren signed his $5.3 million RFA tender, the team made a notable move in the draft — one that could shake up their depth chart even further.
Steelers’ Backfield Shakeup: Kaleb Johnson’s Arrival Puts Jaylen Warren on the Trade Block
With the selection of Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson in the third round, the Steelers now have a younger, scheme-friendly option tailor-made for Arthur Smith’s offense. And it’s led to one growing prediction around league circles: Jaylen Warren could be the next one out.
“Kaleb Johnson’s tape just screams Steelers,” wrote PFSN analyst Sterling Xie. “He’s one of the few backs in this class who can plug directly into Arthur Smith’s wide zone scheme and produce right away.”
That fit matters, especially for a team looking to establish a more consistent ground game. While Warren has been productive — racking up 2,568 total yards in just two seasons — his deal only keeps him in Pittsburgh through 2025. The one-year commitment and Johnson’s draft capital give the Steelers maximum flexibility.
“Warren signing that RFA tender doesn’t lock him in,” Xie added. “It actually makes him more tradable — it’s a manageable salary, and teams know exactly what they’re getting.”
Warren’s passing-down ability could still hold value in Pittsburgh, particularly given Johnson’s limited college receiving production (29 catches in three seasons). But that role may already be accounted for. The team quietly signed Kenneth Gainwell in free agency — a player known for his work on third downs and in pass protection.
“Gainwell can do a lot of what Warren does on passing downs,” Xie wrote. “That overlap is going to make it tough for the Steelers to justify carrying all three guys.”
At just 26 years old and coming off a season where he averaged 4.3 yards per carry, Warren could be a valuable trade piece for a team needing an explosive change-of-pace back. Johnson isn’t that explosive a runner, but if he locks down early-down duties and Gainwell handles third-down work, the Steelers may try to flip Warren for a mid-round pick before training camp.
And that might be the best outcome for everyone involved.
What Can Steelers Expect from Johnson in 2025?
The Steelers aren’t known to incorporate rookies immediately, but the running back position is usually an exception. If head coach Mike Tomlin and general manager Omar Khan are considering trading Warren ahead of the November deadline, they will want to get a good look at Johnson early and often.
“Johnson isn’t the most explosive or the fastest back, but he compensates with some of the best vision and creative instincts the class has to offer,” PFSN’s Ryan Gosling wrote in his scouting report on Johnson ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft.
“A fast first- and second-level processor, and an efficient footwork technician, Johnson knows how to use his setup space to bait defenders and clear lanes. He also has the bend and constant leg churn to create chunk plays once he’s working vertically.
“He’s a rare mix of power and agility, like a pitcher with both a plus fastball and a plus changeup. Whether breaking tackles or outrunning defenders, Johnson consistently shines against elite competition.”
The Hawkeye amassed Big Ten-leading 1,537 yards and 21 touchdowns on the ground in his final junior season at Iowa.
Will Johnson’s collegiate-level talent translate to the NFL? Steelers Nation anxiously awaits the answer in 2025.