Bengals Eye Steelers' Kaleb Johnson as Running Back Depth
Cincinnati is reportedly interested in acquiring Steelers running back Kaleb Johnson, who may be cut this weekend. The Bengals lack depth behind starter Chase Brown, and Johnson impressed with a 70.3 PFF grade in preseason. The team could attempt a trade or sign him if he becomes available.
Kaleb Johnson, a native of the Cincinnati area, previously met with the Bengals during the 2025 draft process, indicating pre-existing organizational interest. His preseason performance includes a 70.3 overall grade from Pro Football Focus across 37 snaps, with a notably strong 79.6 pass-blocking mark on limited reps. The Steelers selected him in the third round, but he now faces a potential roster cut as final decisions approach.
Cincinnati's backfield currently relies heavily on starter Chase Brown, who recently discussed taking on additional slot receiver responsibilities in the offense. Head coach Zac Taylor acknowledged the difficulty of upcoming roster cuts, praising the team's overall depth and the competition that developed during training camp. A trade attempt before waivers, or a signing after release, remain possible paths for the Bengals to address this positional need.
This roster maneuver, if completed, could modestly affect both franchises' competitive balance in the AFC North. For Bengals fans, adding a local product with pass-blocking ability may provide reassurance about offensive stability behind Brown. For Johnson, a move home could revive a career that has yet to meet third-round expectations. The broader impact is limited to team performance and fan engagement, though it highlights how quickly preseason evaluations translate into real roster decisions affecting player livelihoods.