Who Should I Start? Aaron Jones or Kaleb Johnson

Monday, April 7, 12:27 PM

The Minnesota Vikings have running back Aaron Jones penciled in as their starting RB again in 2025 after paying him more to return ($20 million over two seasons). However, ESPN's Kevin Seifert writes that new RB Jordan Mason isn't going to be a typical backup after they acquired him in a trade from the San Francisco 49ers. Head coach Kevin O'Connell has been very clear that he wants to pull back on Jones' usage after he set career-highs in snaps (700), rushing attempts (255) and total touches (306) in 2024. "When he has historically had that 1A/1B backfield structure, he can be a total game-changer every time he touches the ball," O'Connell said. "So it was always about bringing Aaron back ... but what are we going to pair him with?" It's obviously bad news for Jones' chances of an RB1 finish in fantasy in 2025, with Mason expected to be used in short-yardage and goal-line situations for the Vikes.

Friday, July 25, 3:19 PM

PG Sports Now's Brian Batko reports that Pittsburgh Steelers rookie running back Kaleb Johnson was the second RB (behind Jaylen Warren) to work with the first-team offense in training camp practice on Thursday. Johnson is an ideal fit for offensive coordinator Arthur Smith's offense, and although the Steelers have Warren, Kenneth Gainwell, Trey Sermon and Cordarrelle Patterson (undisclosed), Johnson could have a nice little role in his first year in the NFL. Ideally, Johnson would be the No. 2 for Pittsburgh this year next to Warren. His production last year at Iowa was impressive -- 1,537 yards and 21 touchdowns on 240 carries -- and he also has the benefit of being in a run-first offense led by quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Johnson will split touches with Warren, but he has enough big-play ability to be in play as an RB3/flex in fantasy right away.