Green Bay Packers Kaleb Johnson trade gets strong review From ESPN

The Green Bay Packers have bolstered their backfield by bringing in Kaleb Johnson from the Steelers, sending Pittsburgh a future 2028 draft pick in return. ESPN viewed the transaction favorably, pointing to Green Bay’s decision as a savvy way to strengthen the position before the 2026 season gets underway.

“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,” wrote ESPN’s Ben Solak.

Josh Jacobs’ eventual absence for the Green Bay Packers

Green Bay Packers Jacobs (8) participates in mandatory minicamp Thursday, June 11, 2026, at the Don Hutson Center in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

With Jacobs unavailable after being placed on the commissioner’s exempt list amid his misdemeanor charges. While Jacobs will continue to collect his salary, he cannot participate in practices or attend games, leaving Green Bay without one of its key offensive weapons. That makes the arrival of Johnson especially timely, as the former Steelers running back gives the Packers another capable option to help fill the void.

Jacobs’ absence has left the Green Bay Packers with a significant question mark at running back heading into the season. The veteran remains on the commissioner’s exempt list amid his misdemeanor charges, preventing him from practicing with the team or attending games while he continues to receive his salary.

Iowa’s Kaleb Johnson (2) stiff arms Northwestern’s Jack Oyola (27) enroute to scoring a touchdown in the second quarter Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024 at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.

With Jacobs unavailable, Green Bay’s decision to bring in Johnson gives the backfield another option and could help soften the blow if the veteran remains sidelined.

“Johnson is the right sort of player to take a trade flier on. A wide zone running back at Iowa, Johnson was drafted early (pick 83) in the 2025 NFL draft relative to his skillset as a scheme-specific back, and he never found a great foothold in Pittsburgh as a rookie,” added the NFL insider.

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