Sources: Packers acquire Kaleb Johnson in trade with Steelers
The Green Bay Packers traded for running back Kaleb Johnson, a 2025 third-round pick, in a deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday ahead of final roster cuts, sources told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. Trade compensation terms were not immediately available.
The Steelers drafted Johnson, out of Iowa, at No. 83, but he rushed for only 69 yards on 28 carries in 10 games as a rookie. His most notable moment came in Week 2 when he let a live kickoff bounce past him instead of recovering it, and Seattle recovered the ball in the end zone for a touchdown in the Seahawks' win. He lost his spot as a returner after that and played just 62 snaps the rest of the season.
Johnson did not make much headway in the offseason despite a new coaching staff in Pittsburgh. Jaylen Warren and Rico Dowdle were solidly ahead of him on the depth chart, and former UDFA Lew Nichols often got snaps ahead of him in camp as well. The Steelers also added running back Travis Homer, a special teams ace, to the depth chart in the offseason.
The Packers may need running back help if starter Josh Jacobs is suspended by the NFL. Jacobs was charged Thursday with battery and criminal damage to property, both misdemeanors, stemming from his May arrest after an alleged incident with a woman at his home near Green Bay. He has an initial court appearance scheduled for Nov.
Behind Jacobs, the Packers have MarShawn Lloyd, a 2024 third-round pick who has played in just one career game after injuries ruined his first two NFL seasons, and Chris Brooks, who has been a third-down blocking back. With the trade for Johnson, running back Pierre Strong Jr. will not make the Packers' 53-man roster despite a strong preseason.