Who Should I Start? Aaron Jones or Kenneth Gainwell

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.

Tuesday, March 11, 9:15 PM

The Pittsburgh Steelers are finalizing an undisclosed one-year deal with former Philadelphia Eagles running back Kenneth Gainwell on Tuesday night, sources tell FOX Sports' Jordan Schultz. Gainwell will stay in the state of Pennsylvania and become the change-of pace option behind Jaylen Warren after Najee Harris left in free agency to join the Los Angeles Chargers. The 25-year-old will most likely be used more as a third-down option for Pittsburgh in pass-catching situations. In his four years with the Eagles, Gainwell had 280 carries for 1,185 yards (4.2 yards per carry) and 12 rushing touchdowns while adding 102 catches on 138 targets for 721 yards and an addition touchdown in 66 games (four starts). The Steelers still also have running back Cordarrelle Patterson to share the workload. At best, Gainwell will be a low-ceiling RB3/flex in point-per-reception leagues in his new home.