The Green Bay Packers signed veteran tight end Jonnu Smith to a one-year deal and traded for running back Kaleb Johnson from the Pittsburgh Steelers following roster adjustments, bringing new backfield and pass-catching depth ahead of the season.
Green Bay general manager Brian Gutekunst moved quickly to bolster the roster, adding two familiar faces from Pittsburgh’s recent offensive units. The moves follow a turbulent period for both players in Pennsylvania, opening up fresh opportunities within Matt LaFleur’s offensive scheme.
Kaleb Johnson Arrives in Green Bay After Pittsburgh Trade
Kaleb Johnson learned of his departure while preparing for his second NFL training camp to close out in Pittsburgh. The 6-foot-1, 224-pound running back was tracking toward the season when the telephone rang.
The trade caps an eventful 16 months for the former third-round draft pick, selected 83rd overall out of Iowa in 2025. Johnson’s rookie campaign derailed early during a Week 2 matchup against Seattle when a kickoff bounced into the end zone. Under the NFL’s dynamic kickoff rules, the miscue resulted in a touchdown for the Seahawks after they recovered the loose ball. Johnson did not return to the return game and finished his debut season with just 69 rushing yards on 28 carries across 10 offensive appearances.
Despite the difficult start, Johnson maintained strong relationships in Pittsburgh, receiving encouragement from lead running back Jaylen Warren and general manager Omar Khan. He now hopes to recapture the form that saw him rush for 1,537 yards and 21 touchdowns as an All-American junior at Iowa during his college career.
Familiar Scheme Parallels Draw Johnson to Packers
Johnson sees an ideal tactical fit in Green Bay, drawing direct parallels to his college production under Tim Lester, the former Western Michigan head coach who served as a senior analyst for the Packers. The running back noted that Lester’s outside-zone preferences match the offensive scheme Matt LaFleur runs in Green Bay.
The Packers backfield required immediate attention after starting running back Josh Jacobs was placed on the commissioner’s exempt list. Gutekunst admitted that the front office had their eye on Johnson during the pre-draft process in 2025.
Gutekunst noted that Johnson’s first year in Pittsburgh did not yield the impact the player desired, but praised his raw talent and predicted a smooth transition into the franchise’s locker room culture.
Jonnu Smith Seeks a Career Revival on a One-Year Contract
Joining Johnson in Wisconsin is veteran tight end Jonnu Smith, who agreed to a one-year deal with Green Bay after the Pittsburgh Steelers released him in early March. The transaction saves Pittsburgh $7 million against the salary cap.
Smith enters his fifth team in five seasons following stints with Tennessee, New England, Atlanta, Miami, and Pittsburgh. His most productive professional output came in 2024 with the Dolphins, where he secured his first Pro Bowl selection by catching 88 passes for 884 yards and eight touchdowns.
Those career-high figures earned him a trade to Pittsburgh alongside Jalen Ramsey in a multiplayer swap involving Minkah Fitzpatrick. However, production plummeted in Pennsylvania as quarterback Aaron Rodgers favored alternate targets such as DK Metcalf, Pat Freiermuth, and Kenny Gainwell. Smith caught just 38 passes for 222 yards and two touchdowns during his sole season with the Steelers.
Locker Room Dynamics and Future Outlook
In Green Bay, Smith joins a tight end room featuring Tucker Kraft, offering a low-risk opportunity for the 31-year-old veteran to compete for snaps in an offense directed by Jordan Love. Smith expressed optimism regarding Johnson’s physical tools and capability to adjust to the professional level.
For Johnson, the transition removes any lingering frustration from his time behind the Steel Curtain. With a locker next to former Iowa teammate Lukas Van Ness and an open playbook ahead, the running back is focused entirely on learning protections and executing assignments.
He now looks to establish his role within the system as he prepares for the challenges of the upcoming season with his new teammates.
Worth a look
