Kaleb Johnson has emerged as a potential trade candidate for the Seattle Seahawks after Zach Charbonnet was placed on the physically unable to perform list while recovering from a torn ACL. With Seattle needing running back depth behind rookie Jadarian Price and Johnson facing increased competition in Pittsburgh, the Steelers could explore a deal. Johnson's affordable rookie contract and flexible cap situation make him an attractive trade option.Trade speculation around Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kaleb Johnson has picked up after the Seattle Seahawks placed Zach Charbonnet on the physically unable to perform list with a knee injury. While no formal talks have been reported, Seattle is now being viewed as a realistic destination if Pittsburgh decides to move the second-year back. Johnson remains on his rookie contract, making him an affordable trade option for teams looking to add depth.CategoryDetailsPlayerKaleb JohnsonCurrent TeamPittsburgh SteelersRumored TeamSeattle SeahawksContract StatusRookie contractSalary Cap HitLow-cost rookie dealTrade LikelihoodModerateLatest Insider UpdateSeahawks linked after Zach Charbonnet was placed on the PUP listPotential ReturnMid-to-late round draft pick or future draft compensationWhich teams are interested in Kaleb Johnson?Seattle has quickly entered the conversation because of its changing backfield situation. Charbonnet is still recovering from the ACL injury he suffered during the Seahawks' divisional-round playoff game in January 2026. His placement on the physically unable to perform list creates uncertainty around when he will be ready to return, with a mid- to late-season comeback considered the most likely timeline.That leaves first-round rookie Jadarian Price as Seattle's lead option, but the depth behind him is thin. Adding another young running back with NFL experience could help stabilize the rotation without requiring a major financial commitment.From Pittsburgh's perspective, the timing also makes sense. Johnson's rookie campaign failed to produce the impact many expected, and he now finds himself battling for snaps with Eli Heidenreich and Travis Homer. Both offer greater flexibility because they can contribute on offense as well as special teams, making Johnson's role less secure heading into the new season.What insiders are saying about the trade rumorsThe latest speculation centers on the belief that Pittsburgh should at least explore Seattle's interest while Johnson still carries value around the league. There has been no indication that negotiations are underway, but the Seahawks' injury situation naturally makes them a team worth watching.For Seattle, the move would be about protecting depth at one of the league's most demanding positions. For Pittsburgh, it could be an opportunity to address another roster need by turning a player with an uncertain role into future assets.Contract details and salary cap implicationsJohnson's rookie contract is one of the biggest reasons his name continues to surface in trade discussions. He remains an inexpensive option, giving any acquiring team financial flexibility while avoiding a significant salary cap burden.There are no reported no-trade clauses or contractual hurdles that would complicate a move. That gives both teams room to negotiate if interest develops before the regular season begins.Because Johnson is still early in his NFL career, any trade would likely be driven more by roster construction than finances. Seattle could add affordable depth, while Pittsburgh would gain additional flexibility without taking on dead money concerns.How the trade could impact both teamsA deal would reshape the running back depth charts for both clubs. Seattle would gain another young runner capable of sharing carries if Charbonnet's recovery stretches deeper into the season. It would also reduce the pressure on Price to handle a heavy workload immediately.For Pittsburgh, moving Johnson could clear the path for Heidenreich and Homer to take on larger roles while adding future draft capital that could be used to strengthen another position. Whether the Seahawks ultimately make that call remains uncertain, but their injury situation has made them one of the most logical teams to watch if Johnson becomes available.