Green Bay Packers Land Former Iowa Running Back in Trade
The Pittsburgh Steelers are trading a former Iowa Hawkeyes running back following a disappointing rookie season.
On August 30th, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler confirmed that the Steelers would be trading running back Kaleb Johnson to the Green Bay Packers. What the Steelers are getting in return was not immediately disclosed, but I would assume it would be a late-round pick (6th or 7th round perhaps).
READ MORE: Five Iowa Hawkeyes Selected in the 2025 NFL Draft
Kaleb Johnson's Time in Pittsburgh was Brief and Underwhelming:
After racking up over 1,500 yards and 21 touchdowns as arguably the MVP of the Hawkeyes in 2024, Johnson was selected by the Steelers in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft. His rookie year didn't go as planned. In an early game against the Seahawks, Johnson made an error on a kickoff return that resulted in Seattle recovering their own kickoff for a touchdown. Then-Steelers coach Mike Tomlin benched Johnson for the subsequent game.
It appeared that Johnson never fully earned the trust of the Steelers coaching staff after that blunder. While he was stuck behind Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell on the depth chart, Johnson only tallied 69 yards on 28 carries, coupled with nine receiving yards. He's still waiting for his first NFL touchdown. Johnson's work in the Steelers' preseason games this month was minimal too.
What Johnson's Fresh Start in Green Bay Could Mean:
Now headed to Green Bay, Johnson joins a young Packers squad that needed depth at running back. Their primary running back, Josh Jacobs, is embroiled in legal trouble, and was placed on the NFL Commissioner's exempt list shortly after the trade was completed. If Johnson can earn the trust of Packers coach Matt LaFleur, there is a path to him playing and playing quickly.
Johnson will compete with Chris Brooks and MarShawn Lloyd for playing time.
It's not very common to see a team give up on a third round pick after one year. However, the Steelers have a new coach at the helm in Mike McCarthy following Tomlin's resignation after being with the franchise since 2007. Find out more about former Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson being traded to the Green Bay Packers on Yahoo! Sports' website.
Iowa Hawkeyes Who Have Won a Super Bowl
Gallery Credit: Tom Drake