The Pittsburgh Steelers currently face multiple issues in both the quarterback and wide receiver rooms. With Mason Rudolph currently projected to be the team's starting quarterback in Week 1, the organization has kept a close eye on free agent QB Aaron Rodgers, as the entire NFL awaits his decision regarding his future. Rogers is a player that is far past his prime, but can still add some major fire power to an underwhelming Steelers offensive unit in 2025. With Pittsburgh still searching for answers, the Steelers' running back room remains as one of the league's most promising.
The Daily Iowan
Newly drafted Steelers' running back Kaleb Johnson celebrates with the crowd during a college game.
After drafting former Iowa Hawkeye star Kaleb Johnson, the Steelers now find themselves with one of the youngest running back tandems in the NFL. With Johnson currently projected to be the Steelers' running back two (RB2) behind Jaylen Warren, the rookie is expected to handle a major workload entering the 2025 season. Selected with the 83rd pick in the third round, Johnson brings elite size and speed to the Steelers' offense.
After recently speaking with the media, Johnson expressed his excitement towards his rookie season, while also mentioning a surprising relationship with Baltimore Ravens running back, Derrick Henry.
"I've been texting him, and he's been texting me," Johnson stated in regards to Henry. "He's been very motivative, and really just telling me the ins and outs of the league and things like that, so it was very exciting."
As mentioned, the Steelers continue to display a major level of confidence in the running back room, but the team still finds multiple unanswered questions at crucial positions. Johnson's intriguing relationship with Henry adds promise, but as Pittsburgh continues to wait for a decision on Rogers' future, the team may very well opt to look at other options.
Rookie Will Howard is an interesting name to look at for the quarterback position over Rudolph in Week 1. Howard, who spent time at both Kansas State and Ohio State, is a five-year college veteran who shined during his final season as a Buckeye.
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Steelers' Will Howard during his time playing with the Buckeyes in college.
The National Championship winning quarterback has reportedly shown major signs of improvement throughout the course of the offseason, as Howard continues to emerge as a potential starting option for Pittsburgh. Selected with the 185th pick in the sixth round, Howard was considered by many to be one of the late round steals of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Steelers' Search For Wide Receiver Depth Continues
After trading star wide receiver George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys, the Steelers now have no real reliable wide receiver depth outside of DK Metcalf. Metcalf, who was acquired by Pittsburgh after a trade with the Seattle Seahawks earlier in the offseason, is expected to play a major role on the Steelers' offense in 2025.
As the team continues their search of veteran wide receiver depth, multiple names may emerge as top options for Pittsburgh. One player who has a legitimate chance at signing with the Steelers in the near future is former Pro Bowl receiver Amari Cooper. Cooper, who was traded from the Cleveland Browns to the Buffalo Bills last season, finds himself on the free agency market after what many considered to be a down year for the star. Despite being past his prime, Cooper is a player that can still add major playmaking ability to any team, as he would fit perfectly as Pittsburgh's wide receiver two (WR2) behind Metcalf. The team may opt to evaluate the talent that is already on the roster as well, as Calvin Austin lll and Roman Wilson may emerge as potential WR2 options.
UPI
Steelers' DK Metcalf makes a one-handed grab during his time with the Seattle Seahawks.
As the Steelers continue to search for veteran depth in both the quarterback and wide receiver rooms, fans should enjoy looking forward to what Pittsburgh's running back room may become. With both Johnson and Warren expected to produce at a high level this year, the Steelers may find themselves with one of the best running back duos in the league by the end of the season.
What do you think of Johnson's relationship with Henry, as well as the other holes on offense? Comment below!
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