The Green Bay Packers made a notable trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers, acquiring running back Kaleb Johnson in exchange for a 2028 sixth-round pick. Johnson confirmed the trade through his Instagram, expressing gratitude to Steelers Nation and excitement for joining the Packers.

Selected 83rd overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, Johnson, 23, had a promising college career at Iowa, where he was a consensus All-American and the Big Ten Running Back of the Year in 2024. However, his professional journey has been rocky, marred by a special teams miscue that hindered his progress in Pittsburgh. Over 10 games, he rushed 28 times for 69 yards and caught 1 pass for 9 yards, without scoring a touchdown.

With the arrival of new head coach Mike McCarthy, Johnson found himself at a disadvantage, especially with veterans Jayen Warren and Rico Dowdle leading the Steelers' backfield. Consequently, the trade became a necessity for Pittsburgh, allowing them to recoup some value from a player who might have been waived otherwise.

For the Packers, the trade comes at a crucial time as they face uncertainty with Josh Jacobs, their star running back, who has recently been placed on the commissioner's exempt list due to legal issues. Johnson's acquisition offers Green Bay added depth in the backfield, alongside Marshawn Lloyd and Chris Brooks.

Trade Grades:

• Packers: B+
  The move is seen as a strategic insurance policy for the Packers, providing them with a talented prospect at minimal cost.
• Steelers: C
  The Steelers receive a middling pick for a player who has yet to find his footing, reflecting the challenges of moving on from a Day 2 selection.