Packers acquire RB Kaleb Johnson in trade with Steelers for sixth-round pick
The New York Times • • sports
Key Points:
- The Green Bay Packers acquired running back Kaleb Johnson from the Pittsburgh Steelers in exchange for a 2028 sixth-round pick, adding depth amid uncertainty surrounding feature back Josh Jacobs' potential suspension.
- Jacobs faces misdemeanor battery and criminal damage charges, with the NFL monitoring the situation; the Packers currently have MarShawn Lloyd and Chris Brooks as backups, potentially keeping four running backs if Jacobs remains.
- Johnson, a 2025 third-round pick from Iowa, struggled during his rookie season and preseason with the Steelers, including a costly special-teams error that diminished coaching trust.
- Despite his size, Johnson's limited speed and explosiveness hindered his performance, leading to his trade after just one year, as the Steelers preferred their established running backs Jaylen Warren and Rico Dowdle.
- The Steelers opted to trade Johnson rather than release him, recovering some value from a player who was unlikely to secure a spot on their roster.
