Packers are trading for Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kaleb Johnson

The Pittsburgh Steelers are reportedly trading their second-year running back, Kaleb Johnson, to the Green Bay Packers, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. Johnson was selected in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft by the Steelers. As a rookie, Johnson appeared in 10 games, making only 28 carries for 69 yards. With Kenny Gainwell departing for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in free agency, the Steelers replaced him with Rico Dowdle.

Johnson felt like the odd man out in Pittsburgh's crowded backfield, which consisted of Jaylen Warren and Gainwell. The Packers, however, saw an opportunity to bolster their running back room, as their starter, Josh Jacobs, is still under investigation for off-the-field incidents. Johnson's acquisition provides the Packers with a young player who can be developed and serve as a potential backup if Jacobs receives a lengthy suspension.

With preseason games concluded, NFL teams are now focusing on reducing their 90-player preseason rosters to 53 players by 6 p.m. ET on Sunday. It appears that the Steelers plan to trade Johnson for draft capital, though the specifics of the return have not been disclosed. The Packers will be waiving RB Pierre Strong Jr., and depending on further roster cuts, their running back lineup will likely include Johnson, MarShawn Lloyd, Chris Brooks, Damien Martinez, and Jaden Nixon, along with Josh Jacobs.

For the Steelers, the backfield will likely be led by Jaylen Warren and Rico Dowdle, with additional players including Travis Horner, Lew Nichols, and Eli Heidenreich.