Seeking to bolster their ground attack, the Green Bay Packers obtained running back Kaleb Johnson via trade from the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, according to a report from ESPN senior NFL reporter Jeremy Fowler.
Details of the exchange were not released. The transaction arrives as clubs across the league reduce their active rosters to 53 players before the upcoming campaign.
The 23-year-old Johnson steps into a Packers backfield led by Josh Jacobs but marked by questions about secondary contributors. Injuries and limited proven production from other options have left Green Bay searching for reliable depth.
Standing 6-foot-1 and weighing 224 pounds, Johnson profiles as a powerful interior runner whose style matches the physical emphasis of the Packers’ offensive scheme directed by Matt LaFleur. He could carve out a role in early-down and short-yardage situations.
His NFL debut season with the Steelers proved modest. Chosen 83rd overall in the third round of the 2025 draft, Johnson finished with 28 rushes for 69 yards and a single catch for 9 yards while appearing in 10 contests.
Those professional numbers contrast sharply with his final college campaign at Iowa. During the 2024 season he amassed 1,537 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns on 240 attempts, posting a 6.4-yard average. He also recorded 22 receptions for 188 yards and two additional scores, collecting consensus All-American recognition along with Big Ten Running Back of the Year honors.
Across his three years as a Hawkeye, Johnson accumulated 2,779 rushing yards and 30 total touchdowns, establishing himself as one of the more productive backs in the nation and generating significant draft interest.
Green Bay routinely retains three or four running backs, a philosophy reiterated by general manager Brian Gutekunst amid ongoing evaluations of the position group. With MarShawn Lloyd still working to overcome past injury issues and Chris Brooks functioning mainly in a supporting capacity, the addition of Johnson supplies affordable potential under a contract that extends through 2028.
The Packers’ offense has leaned heavily on Jacobs in recent years, yet the loss of previous reserve talent created openings. Johnson’s patience, power and ability to finish runs—traits on full display during his record-setting Iowa season—could help address those gaps if he adjusts rapidly to the new system.
Testing at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine produced a 4.57-second 40-yard dash for Johnson. Although the time fell short of elite thresholds, his overall size and collegiate output kept him firmly in consideration as a Day 2 selection for clubs prioritizing a stout runner.
The acquisition carries minimal salary impact for Green Bay. Johnson’s base pay for 2026 remains below $1.2 million, easing integration into the final roster structure during the cutdown process.
As the Packers prepare for another competitive season in the NFC North, securing a former consensus All-American who delivered 1,537 yards and 21 rushing touchdowns in his last college year offers a calculated opportunity.
Johnson now has a fresh platform to demonstrate that his proven production can translate within an offense that rewards the attributes he consistently showed at Iowa.
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