The Green Bay Packers have made a deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers to acquire a running back.
The Green Bay Packers have made a trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers, acquiring former third-round running back Kaleb Johnson.
Johnson could be a solid addition for the Packers, who didn't have a ton of depth at running back.
Green Bay has Josh Jacobs as their starter, but he has been placed on the Commissioner Exempt List as the NFL continues to monitor developments following his formal charges of misdemeanor battery and misdemeanor criminal damage to property.
If Jacobs is on the field at some point during the season, he will continue to be the lead back for the Packers, as he rushed for 929 yards and 13 touchdowns, along with 36 receptions for 282 yards and a touchdown.
However, if Jacobs misses significant time, Green Bay needs a backup plan and now has one in MarShawn Lloyd, Johnson, and Chris Brooks.
The Packers selected Lloyd in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft. He has a ton of talent, but he has only appeared in one career game due to injuries. Green Bay will need him in the 2026 season for their run game to be effective.
IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectJohnson could also take on a major role for the Packers offense as he enters his second season in the league. The 23-year-old didn't see much time on the field in his rookie season with the Steelers, rushing for 69 yards on 28 carries with one reception for nine yards.
Johnson had a great college career at Iowa, as he was an All-American in 2024, rushing for 1,537 yards and 21 touchdowns, and catching 22 passes for 188 yards and two touchdowns. If Johnson can play closer to that level, then this could be a great trade for Green Bay.
The other running back that the Packers will rely on is Chris Brooks. Brooks has spent the last two years in Green Bay, rushing for 289 yards and a touchdown on 63 carries with 24 receptions for 160 yards.
He won't have much of an impact in the run game for the Packers, as his role is to be an elite pass-blocking running back.
While this isn't a major move for Green Bay, Johnson could have a quality impact on the team.
