The Pittsburgh Steelers find themselves entering the 2025 season with one of the more intriguing running back rooms in the entire NFL. Headlined by Jaylen Warren and rookie Kaleb Johnson, the Steelers' running back depth features two rising stars who are set to make a major impact in Pittsburgh's backfield. Warren, who is slated to be the Steelers starter for the first time in his career, is a rising talent who has continued to improve throughout his first three seasons.
Warren should thrive with Najee Harris no longer playing in front of him, as Harris signed a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Chargers earlier in the offseason, ending his tenure in Pittsburgh. Many feel as if the Steelers should have re-signed Harris, as the running back may have proven to be worth a new contract. Harris had an up-and-down year throughout his final season in Pittsburgh, as the former Steeler may thrive under new Head Coach, Jim Harbaugh.
When asked for his thoughts on Harris' deal with the Chargers, Steelers legend Jerome Bettis took a moment to speak on the matter.
"I thought Najee, you saw him from his first year to his last year, he developed and grew every year as a running back." Bettis stated. "I was impressed with him at the end of his run in Pittsburgh."
Bettis then went on to speak about Pittsburgh's decision to not re-sign Harris, claiming it may have made a lot of sense for the team to bring back the former Alabama star.
"I thought he was someone that, if they had re-signed him, it would have made a lot of sense."
Bettis' comments may not come as surprising to many. The Steelers backfield still features two rising stars despite the departure of Harris, as both Warren and Johnson will look to shine and play a major role on Arthur Smith's offense in 2025. Johnson, a third-round pick back in April, is a promising rookie that was widely regarded as one of the better running back prospects in the entire class.
Johnson was a star on the college level, as the former Hawkeye played a major role in Iowa's success throughout his collegiate career. Harris may thrive in Los Angeles as well, as the former Steeler should face no problem finding his role in Harbaugh's run heavy offense. With both Warren and Johnson slated to control the Steelers backfield in 2025 and Harris no longer in Pittsburgh, the team is expected to turn their attention towards assessing the depth in the wide receiver room.
Steelers May Use Jonnu Smith As A Wide Receiver
After acquiring star tight end Jonnu Smith in a blockbuster deal with the Miami Dolphins, the Steelers find themselves with one of the best tight end rooms in all of football. Despite being listed as a tight end, Smith's athletic ability allows him to play multiple positions on offense and should face no problems playing wide receiver at times. The Steelers tight end room already features Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington, as an expanded role for Smith continues to become more of a reality.
A Pro Bowler in 2024, Smith had a career year with the Dolphins and should thrive with Aaron Rodgers as his quarterback. The former Dolphin is an explosive playmaker with elite speed, as Smith was able to put up extremely impressive numbers last season despite poor quarterback play at times.
Fans should continue to monitor Smith throughout training camp, as the veteran tight end could quickly emerge as a top target on the Steelers' offense. With Harris officially out of Pittsburgh and in Los Angeles on a one year deal, many feel as if Warren will have a career year during his first season as the Steelers' top running back.
Johnson is expected to turn heads throughout his rookie season as well, as the former Iowa Hawkeye may quickly become a regular contributor on Pittsburgh's offense. Fans should continue to keep an eye on both Warren and Johnson throughout training camp, as both running backs are set to play key roles in the Steelers backfield throughout 2025.
