The Pittsburgh Steelers have traded running back Kaleb Johnson to the Green Bay Packers, giving the former 2025 third-round pick a fresh opportunity as the NFL roster deadline approaches.
The trade was reported Sunday, Aug. 30, with Pittsburgh choosing to move Johnson rather than potentially release him as teams finalized their 53-man rosters. The Packers acquired Johnson to add depth to their running back room, while the Steelers recouped value for a player who appeared to be on the outside of their roster plans.
Steelers Trade Kaleb Johnson to Packers
Kaleb Johnson’s time in Pittsburgh has come to an end after just one season. The Steelers selected the Iowa running back in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft, hoping his experience in Iowa’s wide-zone rushing system would translate effectively to Arthur Smith’s offense.
That projection never fully materialized.
Johnson struggled to establish himself within Pittsburgh’s offensive plans and entered the preseason competing for the RB3 role. With Jaylen Warren and Rico Dowdle occupying the top two spots on the depth chart, Johnson needed to make an impact on special teams and during his offensive opportunities.
Instead, his limited preseason usage appeared to signal that his roster position was increasingly vulnerable.
The trade allows Pittsburgh to receive something in return rather than losing Johnson outright after a potential release.
Why Did the Steelers Move on From Kaleb Johnson?
Johnson’s departure comes after a difficult rookie season. He carried the ball 28 times for 69 yards without scoring a touchdown.
A costly special-teams mistake also damaged his standing with the Steelers. During his rookie season, Johnson allowed a kickoff to bounce over his head, resulting in an unusual touchdown for Seattle.
From there, he struggled to regain the coaching staff’s confidence.
Johnson’s physical profile also raised questions. He is listed at 6-foot-1 and 224 pounds, but his reported 4.57-second 40-yard dash indicated limited play speed. He struggled to consistently create additional yardage beyond what was blocked for him.
What Kaleb Johnson Brings to the Packers
Green Bay represents a significant change of scenery for Johnson.
The Packers already have Josh Jacobs, MarShawn Lloyd and Chris Brooks in their running back group. However, the situation surrounding Jacobs has added importance to the position.
Jacobs was formally charged with misdemeanor battery and misdemeanor criminal damage to property earlier in the week. The NFL said it was monitoring the situation while it remained under review.
If Jacobs were to miss time, Johnson could provide additional depth and competition in Green Bay’s backfield.
Kaleb Johnson Gets a Fresh Start in Green Bay
For Johnson, the trade provides an opportunity to reset his career.
Being moved only one year after entering the NFL as a third-round selection is a disappointing development, but a new coaching staff, offensive system and roster environment could give him another chance to demonstrate his potential.
Green Bay will now evaluate Johnson alongside its other running backs and determine how he fits into the team’s offensive and special-teams plans.
His size and previous experience at Iowa were among the reasons Pittsburgh invested a third-round selection in him, and the Packers will now have an opportunity to see whether he can develop into a useful contributor.
Trade Compensation Remains Unknown
One major detail remains unresolved: the compensation Pittsburgh is receiving for Johnson.
The report confirms the trade but states that the exact return had not yet been confirmed. Therefore, the full value of the deal cannot yet be assessed.
For Pittsburgh, the immediate benefit is that the team was able to receive value for a player who appeared unlikely to secure a roster spot.
What the Trade Means for Both Teams
The Steelers’ decision reflects the depth of their running back room and Johnson’s difficulty securing a role. Warren and Dowdle give Pittsburgh a solid top two, while Johnson was competing for the RB3 position and a potential special-teams role.
For Green Bay, the move adds a young running back with draft pedigree and gives Johnson another opportunity to prove himself in the NFL.
Ultimately, the Kaleb Johnson trade gives both sides a chance to move forward. Pittsburgh gets value from a player who appeared to be on the roster bubble, while Johnson gets a fresh start with the Packers.
The biggest questions now are how Johnson fits into Green Bay’s backfield and what the Steelers ultimately receive in return.
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