The Green Bay Packers are completing a trade for Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kaleb Johnson during final roster cutdowns on Sunday, according to Tom Pelissero of The Ringer.
Johnson was a third-round pick of the Steelers in the 2025 NFL draft. The 23-year-old running back rushed 28 times for 69 yards and caught one pass for nine yards across 10 games during his rookie season in Pittsburgh. He also returned eight kickoffs.
In Johnson, the Packers are acquiring much-needed depth at running back. Veteran starter and Pro Bowler Josh Jacobs has a potential suspension looming after being criminally charged on a pair of misdemeanors stemming from a May incident in Brown County.
While Johnson hasn't emerged in the NFL, he was an All-American running
back after scoring 23 touchdowns during his final collegiate season at Iowa. He is built like the Packers prefer at running back, with a 224-pound frame. He ran the 40-yard dash in 4.57 seconds at the NFL Scouting Combine.
From Lance Zierlein's draft scouting report: "Johnson is built like a bruiser, but his style is more finesse, preferring to win with tempo and decisiveness. He keeps his runs on time and on track while allowing blockers to do their job. He’s not overly aggressive, but he has the size and strength to break tackles and grab extra yards at the finish. He runs with below-average creativity and cut quickness but has consistent linear play speed to pop chunk runs. He can catch, but his three-down value takes a hit because of his struggles in pass pro. Johnson’s traits and running style make him a projectable fit in a two-back system with the upside to take on a bigger chunk down the road."
Johnson will join a Packers backfield that includes Jacobs, 2024 third-round pick MarShawn Lloyd and do-everything backup Chris Brooks.
During the 2026 preseason, Johnson rushed 17 times for 53 yards and caught two passes for 15 yards. He was stuck in a deep position group in Pittsburgh.
This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: Packers trading for Steelers RB Kaleb Johnson at final roster cutdowns
