Kaleb Johnson

Johnson was a healthy scratch for the final three weeks of 2025 and played just 51 offensive snaps all season. Warren is locked in through 2027 on a $12M guaranteed extension, and Gainwell (team MVP) dominates the pass-catching role Johnson needs to unlock fantasy value.

Johnson's rookie year is looking like a redshirt season with disappointing touches, and his dynasty ranking is trending downward despite first-round rookie draft investment. Through 2025, Johnson has just 28 rushing attempts for 69 yards across his entire career.

Through his entire 2025 rookie season, Johnson managed just 28 rushing attempts for 69 yards with seven healthy scratches. RBs need early touches to develop NFL rhythm; this redshirt year risks Johnson never establishing himself even when opportunity arrives.

GM Omar Khan called Johnson's 2025 rookie season a disappointment, and McCarthy publicly put him on notice — he must contribute on special teams and develop as a three-down back just to remain active on the 53-man roster.

The 'warren_ufa_in_2026' opportunity flag is now moot — Warren signed a 2-year extension through 2027 ($17.5M total, $12M guaranteed). The single most important near-term catalyst for Johnson's dynasty upside has been eliminated for at least two seasons.

Johnson's snap share declined from 12% to 3% across his final four games of 2025, with zero target share all season. His full 2025 line — 28 carries, 69 yards across 10 games — is well below any threshold needed to sustain dynasty value at his tier.

If Pittsburgh moves on from current depth-chart options or injuries occur, Johnson's elite college production profile positions him to quickly command a featured role.

Warren is an unrestricted free agent in 2026, meaning Johnson could inherit a feature role if Pittsburgh doesn't retain Warren or if the team drafts another RB option.

Gainwell hits free agency in March 2026 and some insiders project he'll test the market. If Pittsburgh doesn't retain him, Johnson inherits the RB2/pass-catching role behind Warren, creating immediate fantasy relevance.

Warren is entering age 27 in 2026 and has battled injuries previously. Any Warren absence could force Johnson into a featured role, though Gainwell currently holds the handcuff value if retained.

McCarthy's stated run-first philosophy elevates the floor of Pittsburgh's entire RB room. If Johnson develops receiving and pass-protection chops in camp, the scheme provides a realistic pathway to a meaningful complementary role by late 2026 or 2027.

If both Warren and Dowdle miss significant time, Johnson becomes the de facto lead back in a committed run-heavy offense. Even two or three high-volume games could reset his dynasty floor and buying opportunity for patient managers.

Young RB (22) — peak value years ahead