The Green Bay Packers acquired running back Kaleb Johnson in a trade from the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, adding a young, physical presence to a backfield seeking greater depth ahead of the regular season.
The deal, first reported by ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, comes as NFL teams finalize their 53-man rosters. Terms were not immediately available, but the move strengthens Green Bay’s options behind starter Josh Jacobs.
Johnson, 23, brings size and a proven college résumé to a Packers group that has faced uncertainty. Jacobs has dealt with a groin injury and potential availability questions, while backups MarShawn Lloyd and Chris Brooks have limited track records of sustained production.
At 6-foot-1 and 224 pounds, Johnson offers a between-the-tackles style that aligns with Green Bay’s physical running approach under coach Matt LaFleur. His addition gives the Packers another body capable of handling early-down work and short-yardage situations.
Johnson’s path to Green Bay follows a challenging rookie year in Pittsburgh. Selected in the third round of the 2025 draft with the 83rd overall pick, he managed just 28 carries for 69 yards and one reception for 9 yards across 10 games.
That limited output came after a dominant final college season at Iowa. In 2024, Johnson rushed for 1,537 yards and 21 touchdowns on 240 carries, averaging 6.4 yards per attempt. He also caught 22 passes for 188 yards and two scores, earning consensus All-American honors and Big Ten Running Back of the Year.
Over three seasons with the Hawkeyes, Johnson totaled 2,779 rushing yards and 30 touchdowns. Those numbers ranked him among the nation’s most productive backs and fueled expectations that he could contribute immediately in the NFL.
The Packers have typically carried three or four running backs, and general manager Brian Gutekunst has emphasized flexibility at the position. With Lloyd still developing after injury setbacks and Brooks serving more as a complementary piece, Johnson provides a low-cost upside addition under contract through 2028.
Green Bay’s offense has relied heavily on Jacobs in recent seasons, but depth has been a concern after the departure of previous backups. Johnson’s combination of vision, power and finishing ability from his Iowa days could help stabilize the unit if he adapts quickly to the Packers’ scheme.
At the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine, Johnson ran a 4.57-second 40-yard dash. While not elite speed, his frame and production made him an attractive Day 2 prospect for teams seeking a physical runner.
The trade also allows the Packers to evaluate Johnson without a major financial commitment. His 2026 base salary sits under $1.2 million, fitting neatly into roster construction as the team navigates final cuts.
For a Green Bay squad aiming to remain competitive in the NFC North, the arrival of a former consensus All-American with 1,537 rushing yards and 21 scores in his last college season represents an opportunistic move.
Johnson now gets a chance to prove his college form can translate in a new environment that values the very traits he displayed most consistently.
