After Pittsburgh selected the former Iowa star in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft, the Steelers have traded running back Kaleb Johnson to the Green Bay Packers. It ends Johnson's stay in the Steel City after just the lone season.
As a rookie, the former Hawkeyes All-American played in 10 games but carried the ball just 28 times for 69 yards. Johnson's carries ranked as the third-most attempts on the team behind fellow running backs Jaylen Warren and Kenny Gainwell.
Even with a new coaching staff in Pittsburgh, Johnson sat behind Warren and Rico Dowdle on the depth chart. Undrafted free agent Lew Nichols often got snaps ahead of Johnson in camp, too.
Meanwhile, the Packers can use Johnson as insurance for Josh Jacobs, who will be placed on the commissioner's
exempt list.
Trade: The Steelers are trading running back Kaleb Johnson to the Packers.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) August 30, 2026
According to Spotrac, Johnson will bring a 3-year, $3.25 million (non-guaranteed) contract to the Packers. It's a low-cost, high-reward deal for the Green and Gold.
Looking to prove himself in a new setting in Green Bay, the 6-foot-1, 224-pound running back will likely battle third-year back MarShawn Lloyd for playing time.
Assuming Johnson makes the 53-man roster, his potential first game with the Packers could come when Green Bay opens its 2026 season on the road at U.S. Bank Stadium against the Minnesota Vikings. Kickoff is set for 3:25 p.m. CT on CBS.
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This article originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire: Steelers trade former Iowa star RB Kaleb Johnson to Packers
