The Green Bay Packers have had an intense Sunday ahead of final cuts. After trading quarterback Kyle McCord to the Miami Dolphins for a 2028 sixth-round pick, the Packers acquired running back Kaleb Johnson from the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Packers reportedly sent the Steelers a 2028 sixth-round pick.

Highly-touted prospect coming out of college

Kaleb Johnson hasn’t had much success in the NFL so far, but he had an insane 2024 season at Iowa. In his final college year, Johnson had 240 rushing attempts, 1,537 rushing yards, plus 22 receptions for 188 receiving yards, and 23 scrimmage touchdowns. That led the Steelers to draft him in the third round.

As a rookie, he played only 51 offensive snaps and 11 special teams snaps. Johnson finished the 2025 season with 69 rushing yards (2.5 yards per attempt), plus once reception for nine yards.

Johnson was behind Jaylen Warren, Rico Dowdle, and Travis Homer on the Steelers’ depth chart, which prompted their decision to move on from a third-rounder going into Year 2.

A 6-0, 225-pound running back, Kaleb Johnson had 17 carries and 53 yards in the preseason this year (3.1 yards per attempt, including 2.12 yards after contact per attempt). He finished the exhibition games with a 70.3 PFF offensive grade.

Playing style fits what Matt LaFleur runs

Nobody on the Pittsburgh Steelers’ roster needed a fresh start more than Kaleb Johnson. It felt like he was doomed from the start in Pittsburgh. He came into a scheme under Arthur Smith that, while it prioritized zone running (Johnson’s strength at Iowa), didn’t have the players up front to create the alleys he needs. There are two types of backs in the NFL. Those who need a runway, and those who can create something out of nothing. 

Johnson falls firmly in the former category. He doesn’t have the lower-body twitch to win in tight quarters. He’s smoother than he is fast or explosive. But he’s a big back who, when he sees a hole, can glide and get upfield. Getting behind a line that creates more vertical displacement is what he needs. That and a new start in Green Bay could work wonders for him.

Controlled cost for several years

Because Kaleb Johnson was a third-round pick last season, the Packers will still have three years of controlled cost. The running back is set to make $1.129 million in 2026, $1.419 million in 2027, and $1.708 million in 2028. There are no guarantees left on his deal.

Johnson adds depth to a position that badly needed it. Green Bay waived Pierre Strong Jr., Damien Martinez, and undrafted rookie Jaden Nixon after the preseason. The roster also has Josh Jacobs, MarShawn Lloyd, and Chris Brooks, but Jacobs’ legal situation could potentially lead to a suspension at some point, and he will start the season on the Commissioner’s Exempt List.

Grade: B