Packers Trade for RB Kaleb Johnson From Steelers

The Green Bay Packers have agreed to trade for running back Kaleb Johnson from the Pittsburgh Steelers, a move that adds depth to their backfield amid uncertainty surrounding starter Josh Jacobs. The deal, announced by Packers General Manager Brian Gutekunst on Sunday, August 30, 2026, sends a 2028 sixth-round draft pick to Pittsburgh in exchange for Johnson, a second-year player out of the University of Iowa. The transaction is pending a physical. The trade comes as the Packers address an immediate need. Jacobs, the team's primary running back, was placed on the commissioner's exempt list on Sunday following a misdemeanor battery charge stemming from a May arrest. With Jacobs' availability for the start of the season unclear, the Packers moved to bolster their running back room, which includes MarShawn Lloyd and Chris Brooks. Johnson, 23, was selected by the Steelers in the third round (No. 83 overall) of the 2025 NFL Draft. His rookie season in Pittsburgh was limited, as he appeared in 10 games and recorded 28 carries for 69 yards, averaging 2.5 yards per carry. He also returned eight kickoffs for 190 yards.