Kaleb Johnson Trade: What Happened?
The Kaleb Johnson trade is one of the notable NFL roster moves ahead of the 2026 season. The Green Bay Packers acquired the running back from the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 30, 2026, giving Johnson an opportunity to restart his young NFL career.
Green Bay sent Pittsburgh a 2028 sixth-round draft pick for Johnson. That pick was the same selection the Packers had received from Miami earlier in the day in the trade involving quarterback Kyle McCord.
The move became especially important because Packers running back Josh Jacobs was placed on the Commissioner’s Exempt List, creating uncertainty around Green Bay’s backfield heading into the season.
So, the biggest question for fantasy football players and Packers fans is simple: Will Kaleb Johnson start, or will MarShawn Lloyd get the first opportunity?
Kaleb Johnson Trade Details
Here are the key details:
- Player: Kaleb Johnson
- New team: Green Bay Packers
- Former team: Pittsburgh Steelers
- Position: Running back
- Trade date: August 30, 2026
- Compensation: 2028 sixth-round pick
- Original draft position: No. 83 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft
- College: Iowa
The Packers officially confirmed the transaction and described the move as an addition to their running back depth.
Johnson was selected by Pittsburgh in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft. However, his rookie season did not produce the workload many expected from a Day 2 selection.
He played in 10 games and recorded 28 rushing attempts for 69 yards, averaging 2.5 yards per carry. He also caught one pass for nine yards and returned eight kickoffs for 190 yards.
Why Did the Steelers Trade Kaleb Johnson?
Johnson’s situation in Pittsburgh changed during the offseason.
The Steelers added veteran running back Rico Dowdle and also had other options competing for roster spots. As a result, Johnson was no longer guaranteed a meaningful role.
NFL.com’s report noted that Johnson had struggled to establish himself during his rookie campaign and had fallen down the depth chart during Pittsburgh’s preseason competition.
The trade therefore gives Johnson a valuable second chance.
Rather than entering another season fighting simply to remain on the roster, he now joins a Packers team that has uncertainty at the top of its running-back depth chart.
Kaleb Johnson or MarShawn Lloyd?
This is arguably the most important part of the story.
MarShawn Lloyd currently has the stronger claim to the No. 1 running-back role, particularly because he was already with Green Bay and had been viewed as a potential backup to Josh Jacobs.
However, the situation is fluid.
NFL.com specifically noted that Johnson could earn a significant role if Lloyd experiences another health setback.
Green Bay’s current running-back group includes Lloyd, Johnson and Chris Brooks, with Jacobs’ status creating additional uncertainty.
Projected Packers RB hierarchy
A reasonable early projection is:
- MarShawn Lloyd
- Kaleb Johnson
- Chris Brooks
That order could change quickly depending on Jacobs’ availability, Lloyd’s health and Johnson’s performance in the offense.
Will Kaleb Johnson Start?
Johnson is not the favorite to start immediately.
At this point, MarShawn Lloyd appears to have the better path to opening the season as Green Bay’s primary running back if Jacobs is unavailable.
That does not mean Johnson will have a minor role.
The Packers did not acquire him simply to fill a practice-squad position. Johnson is a former third-round pick with an impressive college résumé, and his physical running style gives Green Bay another option in the backfield.
His opportunity could increase significantly if the Packers decide to use multiple running backs.
What Can Kaleb Johnson Bring to Green Bay?
Johnson’s college production explains why Pittsburgh invested a third-round pick in him.
At Iowa in 2024, Johnson rushed for 1,537 yards and 21 touchdowns on 240 carries, averaging 6.4 yards per attempt. He earned first-team All-America recognition from multiple organizations and was named first-team All-Big Ten.
That production is a major reason the Packers may believe there is more potential in Johnson than his rookie statistics suggest.
At 6-foot-1 and 224 pounds, Johnson also gives Green Bay a bigger, physical option at running back.
The Packers could therefore use him in short-yardage situations, early-down work or as part of a committee.
MarShawn Lloyd’s Role
Lloyd remains an important piece of the Packers’ backfield.
The former USC running back entered the 2026 season with expectations of being one of Green Bay’s important complementary backs behind Jacobs. With Jacobs’ current status uncertain, Lloyd could suddenly find himself with a much larger workload.
That makes the Johnson trade interesting rather than straightforward.
Green Bay now has two young backs who could compete for touches.
If Lloyd stays healthy and performs well, he could maintain the lead role. If he struggles or misses time, Johnson could quickly move up the depth chart.
Kaleb Johnson Fantasy Football Outlook
Johnson’s fantasy value has changed considerably because of the trade.
In Pittsburgh, his path to consistent touches was difficult. In Green Bay, there is now considerably more opportunity.
However, fantasy managers should avoid assuming that Johnson immediately becomes a starting fantasy running back.
His value depends on several factors:
- Josh Jacobs’ availability
- MarShawn Lloyd’s health
- Johnson’s performance
- Green Bay’s running-back rotation
- Goal-line opportunities
- Pass-catching usage
For now, Johnson is an intriguing late-round fantasy option rather than an automatic starter.
Lloyd is arguably the more immediate fantasy option, while Johnson offers upside if the Packers’ backfield situation changes.
Kaleb Johnson’s NFL Career So Far
Johnson entered the NFL after an outstanding final college season at Iowa.
The Steelers selected him with the 83rd overall pick in 2025.
His rookie campaign was much quieter than his college career. Johnson received only 28 carries in 10 games, producing 69 rushing yards.
He also had limited opportunities as a receiver, recording one reception for nine yards.
That small sample should not necessarily define his NFL career.
The Packers appear to be betting that the former Iowa standout can develop into a more productive professional running back with a better opportunity.
Why the Packers Made the Move
The timing of the trade is significant.
Green Bay made the deal during final roster cutdowns, while the team’s backfield situation was becoming increasingly uncertain.
The Packers needed depth, and Johnson was available at a relatively low cost: one future sixth-round pick.
The move also gives the coaching staff another young running back who has experience as a Day 2 draft selection.
For Green Bay, the potential reward is much greater than the price paid.
Final Verdict: Kaleb Johnson or MarShawn Lloyd?
For now, MarShawn Lloyd has the edge over Kaleb Johnson for the starting job.
However, Johnson’s arrival makes the Packers’ running-back situation much more competitive.
If Jacobs is unavailable, Lloyd could begin with the most favorable opportunity. Johnson, meanwhile, should be viewed as a player capable of taking on a larger workload if he performs well or if Lloyd misses time.
The most important development to monitor is therefore not simply whether Johnson starts in Week 1. It is how Green Bay divides carries between Lloyd and Johnson.
Johnson has already received a fresh start. Now he has to turn that opportunity into playing time.
FAQs
Did Kaleb Johnson get traded?
Yes. The Pittsburgh Steelers traded Kaleb Johnson to the Green Bay Packers on August 30, 2026. Green Bay sent Pittsburgh a 2028 sixth-round draft pick.
Who did the Packers trade for Kaleb Johnson?
The Packers acquired Johnson from the Steelers in exchange for a 2028 sixth-round pick.
Is Kaleb Johnson going to start?
Not necessarily. MarShawn Lloyd currently appears to have the stronger claim to the lead role if Josh Jacobs is unavailable, but Johnson could earn significant touches.
Is Kaleb Johnson better than MarShawn Lloyd?
It is too early to make a definitive judgment. Johnson had outstanding college production at Iowa, while Lloyd entered the NFL with considerable talent of his own. Their roles will depend on Green Bay’s backfield situation.
What happened to Kaleb Johnson in Pittsburgh?
Johnson struggled to find consistent playing time during his rookie season. He finished 2025 with 28 carries for 69 yards across 10 games before being traded to Green Bay.
What was Kaleb Johnson’s college record?
In 2024, Johnson rushed for 1,537 yards and 21 touchdowns on 240 carries for Iowa.
Is Kaleb Johnson worth drafting in fantasy football?
Johnson is an intriguing late-round option because of the uncertainty surrounding Green Bay’s backfield. His fantasy value could rise substantially if he earns a larger share of carries.
What is Kaleb Johnson’s new team?
Kaleb Johnson is now a Green Bay Packers running back after being traded from Pittsburgh.
conclusion: The Kaleb Johnson trade gives the young running back a fresh opportunity with the Green Bay Packers. While MarShawn Lloyd currently appears more likely to receive the first opportunity if Josh Jacobs is unavailable, Johnson has the talent and college production to push for meaningful touches. His role will be one of the Packers’ most interesting backfield storylines heading into the 2026 season.
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