Kaleb Johnson

Career StatsD

Year	Team	GP	Yards	TD	YPC
Career		10	69	—	2.5
2025		10	69	0	2.5

Current Contract

Contract Value Index (CVI)

The Steelers struck gold with Kaleb Johnson's four-year, $6.4M extension, landing what amounts to a steal for a rotational running back who's proven his worth in Pittsburgh's ground game. At just $1.6M AAV, Johnson's deal represents exceptional value for a player who consistently delivers solid production when called upon, earning an A- CVI that reflects how rare it is to lock up dependable backfield depth at this price point. The modest $1.3M guaranteed money shows smart risk management by the front office, protecting the team while still providing Johnson with reasonable security for a player in his tier. This contract structure gives Pittsburgh incredible flexibility — they're essentially paying backup money for a guy who could seamlessly step into a larger role if needed, while the four-year term provides stability in a position group that's notoriously volatile. The Steelers have mastered the art of finding value in the middle rounds of free agency, and Johnson's extension is another example of Mike Tomlin's regime maximizing talent evaluation while keeping the salary cap healthy for bigger priorities.

Performance Analysis

Kaleb Johnson earns a D grade as a rookie running back learning the NFL game with the Steelers. Pittsburgh has always valued physical, north-south runners, and Johnson fits that mold with his powerful running style. The transition from college production to professional carries takes time, and the early returns show a player still adjusting to NFL-level defensive speed and gap discipline. The Steelers' run game needs a consistent threat, and Johnson has the physical tools to eventually fill that role. His grade reflects the typical rookie adjustment period rather than a ceiling concern.

Current Sentiment

Kaleb Johnson enters 2026 facing significant skepticism about his role in Pittsburgh's backfield, earning a D grade from our Contract Value Index (CVI) sentiment analysis. Despite head coach Mike McCarthy's public statements of confidence and mentions of a "clean slate," the repeated need for such affirmations suggests underlying organizational uncertainty about Johnson's value proposition. The media narrative consistently frames Johnson as fighting for relevance rather than as a secure roster piece, with his modest $1.6M salary providing the Steelers easy flexibility to move on if needed. McCarthy's evident enthusiasm for the Warren/Dowdle tandem, combined with Johnson being characterized as "in limbo," signals that the coaching staff views him as a contingency option rather than a foundational element of their rushing attack. The perception heading into the season reflects a depth chart player whose NFL future hinges entirely on capitalizing on limited opportunities, rather than an asset the organization is genuinely counting on for meaningful production.