The Pittsburgh Steelers are often very active during the NFL's busiest moments in any given offseason. Since Omar Khan became the general manager back in 2022, transactions seem to occur at a rapid rate. With the 2026 regular season so close, the front office in the Steel City has been focusing on narrowing down its initial roster to just 53 players. This is never something that is easy, and it is even more difficult in the present because the team could be keeping four quarterbacks around based on how that position is currently set up.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Pittsburgh Steelers General Manager Omar Khan stands on the field surface and looks off into the distance as the team participates in a 2026 training camp practice at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
One of the more intriguing spots entering the Steelers' final preseason action on Thursday was the running back room. Kaleb Johnson has not been given too many opportunities to prove himself throughout his career, specifically since a special teams blunder hurt the organization back in September of 2025. Now, it appears as if all parties are ready for a fresh start.
NFL insider Tom Pelissero reported on Sunday that Pittsburgh has been working with the Green Bay Packers to send the polarizing ball carrier to the Midwest in a surprising move.
Trade! The Steelers and Packers are working to finalize a trade sending RB Kaleb Johnson to Green Bay, sources tell @ringer @netflixsports. pic.twitter.com/hmKe7OJGDt
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) August 30, 2026
Pittsburgh now seems set on keeping either Travis Homer or Lew Nichols around, as Johnson apparently did not have enough prowess on special teams for the new coaching staff. Mike McCarthy has been very adamant about guys having the ability to serve in multiple roles, and it's clear that Johnson was not someone who fit the new style in the Steel City.
Compensation has yet to be revealed for this move, so the true sign of how well the Steelers made out will come once that is reported at some point. regardless, it's safe to say it was time to make this sort of decision and transaction.
The Packers are a fascinating destination because Josh Jacobs is currently going through some off-the-field issues that could potentially lead to a suspension, or maybe even a release. There's no way to tell right off the bat what kind of plans Green Bay could have for Johnson; however, it appears that both sides of this deal will leave relatively happy.
This represents another swing and a miss during the Khan era, though, as Johnson was a Day 2 pick who couldn't even find a way to make the roster in his second professional season. Instead, the will already be wearing a different colored jersey.
With Kaleb Johnson trade, Steelers have now parted ways with seven players who were drafted in the third round or higher since 2021.
— Gerry Dulac (@gerrydulac) August 30, 2026
It's hard to blame the Steelers for making the move. The top two ball carriers on the roster are under contract through 2027, and Johnson probably wouldn't have received too many chances moving forward.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Former Steelers running back Kaleb Johnson runs with the football as he goes through a drill while the team participates in a 2025 training camp practice at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
While Homer will be expected to slot in as the team's third running back, Nichols had an impressive preseason and shouldn't go unnoticed. If he is released, a practice squad stint is likely. If an injury were to occur to one of the top two, it could be argued that Nichols would be deserving of an elevation and expanded role, while Homer focuses on special teams.
Steelers Accept Accountability For Poor Draft Selection In Johnson
The running back may go on to have a solid career elsewhere, but he wasn't a fait in Pittsburgh after Kenneth Gainwell's emergence and then the eventual signing of Rico Dowdle. Instead of trying to hold onto a situation that wasn't working simply because of draft investment politics, the Steelers were wise to move on from the ball carrier in a timely manner.
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