The Green Bay Packers are acquiring running back Kaleb Johnson from the Pittsburgh Steelers, giving their backfield another option as NFL teams finalize their rosters ahead of the regular season.
The trade was reported Sunday by ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler and The Ringer’s Tom Pelissero, with the terms of the deal not immediately disclosed. Johnson also acknowledged the move on social media, writing, “Appreciate it Steelers Nation. Let’s do it Packers.”
Johnson, 23, was selected by Pittsburgh in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft after a standout career at Iowa. His rookie season, however, produced limited opportunities, as he entered Pittsburgh’s training camp competing for a roster spot in a crowded running back group. The Steelers added veteran Rico Dowdle and Travis Homer to a room led by Jaylen Warren, leaving Johnson with little opportunity to establish himsel. In total with the Steelers, Johnson appeared in 10 games and rushed 28 times for 69 yards, an average of 2.5 yards per carry, while catching one pass for 9 yards. He also handled eight kickoff returns, with a long of 29 yards.
The move to Green Bay will give Johnson an opportunity to compete for a larger role with the Packers, who have uncertainty in their backfield surrounding Josh Jacobs, while MarShawn Lloyd and Chris Brooks are also in the mix. Green Bay also released running back Pierre Strong Jr. as part of its roster moves Sunday, further opening a spot for Johnson.
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