Could Kaleb Johnson Return Home to Cincinnati? Bengals Eye Former Iowa Star
The Cincinnati Bengals may be looking to bring former Iowa Hawkeyes star Kaleb Johnson back to his hometown, according to a report from Pittsburgh radio personality Andrew Fillipponi. The Steelers running back appears to be on the roster bubble as the NFL's 53-man roster deadline approaches, and Cincinnati could be among the teams interested in acquiring him.
Johnson, who grew up in Cincinnati and attended Hamilton High School before starring at Iowa, would represent an intriguing reclamation project for the Bengals. The team has spent much of the preseason evaluating depth behind starters Chase Brown and Samaje Perine, with several young backs competing for roster spots.
What did Kaleb Johnson accomplish at Iowa?
Johnson's college résumé made him a third-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. The Steelers selected him No. 83 overall out of Iowa, making him the 17th running back taken in that draft class.
His final season with the Hawkeyes was exceptional. In 2024, Johnson rushed 240 times for 1,537 yards and 21 touchdowns, averaging an impressive 6.4 yards per carry. He also caught 22 passes for 188 yards and two scores.
Over three seasons at Iowa, Johnson accumulated 2,779 rushing yards, which ranks sixth in program history. He became just the fifth Hawkeye to record two 200-plus-yard rushing performances in his career.
Why hasn't Johnson established himself in Pittsburgh?
Johnson's NFL career has not matched his college production. As a rookie, he appeared in 10 games, carrying 28 times for just 69 yards, an average of 2.5 yards per carry. He did not score a touchdown and caught only one pass for nine yards.
He did contribute as a kickoff returner, bringing back eight kicks for 190 yards, a 23.8-yard average. One of his more notable performances came against Cincinnati in Week 11, when he carried five times for 15 yards in Pittsburgh's 34-12 victory over the Bengals.
His 2026 preseason has been modest. Johnson has rushed 12 times for 42 yards through Pittsburgh's first two games while adding two receptions for 15 yards. He has remained behind Jaylen Warren and Rico Dowdle in the Steelers' running-back hierarchy.
Why would the Bengals want another running back?
Cincinnati's depth behind Brown and Perine remains unsettled. Tahj Brooks hasn't consistently separated himself from the competition, and Kendall Milton has flashed but not produced consistently. The Bengals also have Jamal Haynes and Kentrel Bullock competing for opportunities after solid outings in the preseason finale against the Eagles.
Johnson could provide a physical, productive option. At his best, he excelled in Iowa's zone-running scheme, and his 1,537-yard junior season demonstrated he can carry a significant workload. At 23 years old, a change of scenery could help him restart his development.
What would a trade cost the Bengals?
The Steelers are reportedly exploring trade possibilities for Johnson. Recent speculation suggests a late-round pick swap could be enough to facilitate a deal. One proposal had Pittsburgh sending Johnson and a seventh-round pick to Dallas in exchange for a sixth-rounder.
If Pittsburgh releases Johnson, Cincinnati could claim him off waivers without surrendering any draft capital. The Bengals likely wouldn't want to pay much for a player who could become available for nothing.
Is this a homecoming story for Johnson?
Johnson grew up in Cincinnati and attended Hamilton High School before starring at Iowa. He also had a pre-draft visit with the Bengals, according to Fillipponi. A move to Cincinnati would represent a return home for the former Hamilton standout.
That local connection makes the possibility more interesting from a Cincinnati perspective, though it shouldn't be the primary reason for acquiring him.
Should the Bengals pursue Johnson?
There are arguments on both sides. Johnson's NFL production has been disappointing, with a 2.5-yard average as a rookie and limited receiving production. He hasn't consistently separated himself from Pittsburgh's other backs.
However, he's a former third-round pick with an elite college résumé who is only 23 years old. That's exactly the type of player a team might take an inexpensive chance on, especially given the Bengals' willingness to add competition at positions of need.
The Bengals don't necessarily need Kaleb Johnson. But if Pittsburgh decides to move on, Cincinnati should at least be doing its homework. The next 48 hours should tell whether the former Iowa star is headed back to Cincinnati or looking for his third NFL opportunity elsewhere.
Frequently asked questions about Kaleb Johnson
Where did Kaleb Johnson go to high school?
Johnson attended Hamilton High School in Cincinnati, Ohio, before playing college football at the University of Iowa.
What were Kaleb Johnson's stats at Iowa?
In his final season at Iowa in 2024, Johnson rushed 240 times for 1,537 yards and 21 touchdowns. He totaled 2,779 rushing yards over three seasons with the Hawkeyes.
When was Kaleb Johnson drafted?
The Pittsburgh Steelers selected Johnson with the No. 83 overall pick in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft.