The Green Bay Packers acquired running back Kaleb Johnson from the Pittsburgh Steelers in exchange for a 2028 sixth-round draft pick on Sunday, August 30, 2026. The move comes as the Packers address backfield depth while running back Josh Jacobs navigates legal troubles and sits on the Commissioner’s Exempt List.
Kaleb Johnson’s Fresh Start in Green Bay After a Difficult Rookie Season
His playing time vanished after a miscue on special teams early in his rookie season. During a Week 2 game against Seattle, Johnson failed to field a kickoff within the field of play, allowing the Seahawks to recover the ball in the end zone for a pivotal score that helped seal a 31-17 victory. Then-head coach Mike Tomlin subsequently removed Johnson from kick-return duties.
Johnson finished his rookie season appearing in 10 games without a start, logging just 28 carries for 69 yards and catching one pass for nine yards. With a new coaching staff under Mike McCarthy taking over in Pittsburgh and the team signing veteran Rico Dowdle to a two-year, $12.25 million contract in free agency alongside Jaylen Warren, Johnson fell out of favor.
“The most likely outcome is still that Johnson is too limited of a player to be an impactful NFL back. But getting an ex-third rounder for the cost of a future sixth, especially when the Steelers were clearly done with Johnson outright, is a good gamble.”
Ben Solak, ESPN
Josh Jacobs’ Exempt List Placement Forces Packers’ Hand
The Packers pursued the trade to shore up a backfield facing sudden uncertainty. Starting running back Josh Jacobs was charged with two misdemeanors for battery and damage to property following a late May arrest in Wisconsin, as reported by Patriots Wire. On Sunday, the NFL placed Jacobs on the Commissioner’s Exempt List, an administrative procedure used while a matter is reviewed.
Josh Jacobs has been placed on the commissioner’s exempt list on Sunday, a move that follows charges of two misdemeanors for battery and damage to property stemming from a May arrest.
The designation means Jacobs cannot practice or attend games while the league investigates, though he continues to receive his pay. Behind Jacobs, the Green Bay running back room features MarShawn Lloyd—whose playing time has been limited by durability concerns—and Chris Brooks, leaving the team thin on experienced depth.
Transaction Details and Roster Adjustments
To clear a roster spot for the arriving running back, the Packers released Pierre Strong Jr., according to Yahoo Sports. Green Bay sent its own 2028 sixth-round draft pick to Pittsburgh, avoiding the sixth-rounder they acquired from the Miami Dolphins in a separate trade involving quarterback Kyle McCord.
As analysts note, a fresh start gives the 23-year-old an opening to capture early-down work while Jacobs serves his indefinite administrative leave.
Simultaneous Roster Overhauls in Pittsburgh and Green Bay
The trade was finalized as both franchises rushed to meet the league’s deadline to trim rosters down to 53 players by 6 p.m. ET on Sunday. In Pittsburgh, the front office engaged in a flurry of roster management moves ahead of the cutdown.
The Steelers traded 2023 first-round pick Broderick Jones to acquire future draft capital and released veteran inside linebackers Elandon Roberts and Malik Harrison. Harrison’s release freed up salary cap space for the Steelers, who had recently created nearly $18 million in cap room by restructuring DK Metcalf’s contract.
Whether Johnson can translate his collegiate success in Iowa into a productive professional role in Green Bay remains the central question for a Packers offense tasked with maintaining its Super Bowl aspirations without its primary ballcarrier.
