​Another member of the Pittsburgh Steelers organization has surfaced as a potential trade candidate this offseason: a former third-round pick from the 2025 NFL Draft. In a piece from Sports Illustrated, Jacob Punturi suggests that Steelers running back Kaleb Johnson could be an appealing trade target for the Dallas Cowboys. The argument centers on Dallas’s need to reconfigure and strengthen its backfield, a situation that could make Johnson a viable, cost-efficient addition if the Steelers decide to move him.
Punturi framed Johnson’s 2025 campaign as a paradox: the talent is undeniable, and the ceiling remains high, yet the practical results have fallen short of expectations. He noted that while Johnson possesses explosive ability and a wealth of potential, translating that potential into sustained production at the professional level has proven elusive. The columnist emphasized that Johnson’s struggles have already cost him playing time in Pittsburgh, as the team explores other options and angles at running back.
According to Punturi, the Cowboys are a natural fit for Johnson because they are actively seeking to retool their running back group and could benefit from a young, high-upside contributor who could evolve within their system. The premise is that Johnson’s tenure in Pittsburgh appears to be reaching its conclusion, making a trade a potentially win-win for both franchises: the Steelers could recoup value for a player who may not fit their long-term plans, while Dallas could add a dynamic presence to its backfield that might grow into a more significant role.
However, Punturi tempered expectations about the return the Steelers could command. He suggested that Pittsburgh might not fetch more than a mid-to-late-round draft pick in a Johnson deal, with a likely range of a sixth- or seventh-round selection considered plausible value given the current market and Johnson’s track record. The assessment paints a realism-first picture: a trade could be possible, but the asking price—and the value that could come back in return—might not be substantial enough to justify a deal if the Steelers decide to stand pat.
If a trade were to fall through, the Steelers could still be comfortable moving forward with the current roster projections. Johnson’s future with Pittsburgh would seem even more uncertain, and reports suggest that the team could be prepared to explore alternatives at running back to maintain flexibility and depth. In particular, rookie Eli Heidenreich has been highlighted as a promising, high-ceiling option at RB3 who brings versatility to the position and could contribute more immediately, potentially diminishing the urgency to hold onto Johnson at all costs.
For readers seeking ongoing Steelers coverage, including updates on offseason moves and roster changes, following Steelers Wire on social media is encouraged. The team maintains a presence on X (Twitter) at @TheSteelersWire, and there is an accompanying Facebook page where fans can stay informed and engage with the latest developments. This discussion about Johnson’s potential trade status was originally published in Steelers Wire’s coverage, which also aims to enhance search visibility by framing the topic around the broader context of the Steelers’ evolving backfield dynamics.
In the broader context of the Steelers’ offseason narrative, Johnson represents one of several players whose futures could hinge on strategic decisions about how Pittsburgh schedules its running backs, balances youth with experience, and navigates the financial constraints that come with a competitive NFL roster. Whether the Cowboys become the landing spot or another team emerges as a potential suitor, Johnson’s name will likely remain part of the offseason dialogue as teams evaluate how best to optimize their backfield production for the upcoming season.