Packers Add Kaleb Johnson in Trade for Running Back Depth
The Green Bay Packers have acquired running back Kaleb Johnson from the Pittsburgh Steelers, adding another ball carrier to their backfield depth chart. Johnson, who was drafted by Pittsburgh in the third round of the 2025 draft out of the University of Iowa, now becomes insurance for the Packers' running back room as the team enters the 2026 season.
Addressing backfield depth. The Packers' move signals their desire to build redundancy at the running back position heading into the regular season. Whether motivated by injury concerns with an existing starter or simply seeking additional depth options, the acquisition gives Green Bay multiple options in the backfield. Johnson's college pedigree and NFL draft status suggest the Packers view him as someone who could eventually contribute meaningfully if called upon.
What Johnson brings. As a third-round selection, Johnson was expected to develop as a prospect in Pittsburgh's system. The Steelers' decision to trade him away suggests organizational preference for other backs on their roster or a willingness to trade depth for other roster needs. For the Packers, adding a young running back with draft capital provides optionality without requiring a major cap commitment, allowing them to evaluate Johnson's fit in their scheme without long-term risk.
Implications for Green Bay's offense. The acquisition demonstrates the Packers' confidence in their overall roster construction while acknowledging the importance of having capable replacements at skilled positions. How much Johnson contributes in 2026 will depend on injuries and the performance of the team's primary back. For bettors, this move suggests the Packers are building a deep, versatile offensive roster, which could support consistency throughout the season. If their primary running back were to get injured, having Johnson available might prevent a significant drop-off in performance, keeping win totals and playoff odds more stable than they might otherwise be.
Source: original report ↗