Who Should I Start? D'Ernest Johnson or Lamical Perine

Tuesday, March 12, 12:39 PM

The Jacksonville Jaguars are re-signing running back D'Ernest Johnson to a one-year deal, as reported by ESPN's Adam Schefter. The 28-year-old hit the open market on Monday but ultimately ended up coming back to the team's crowded running back room. Starter Travis Etienne has a secure spot as the lead back, while 2023 rookie Tank Bigsby is expected to see an enhanced role in 2024. This leaves Johnson in the RB3 and special teams running back role, so he'll remain off the fantasy radar next season unless both Etienne and Bigsby suffer injuries and miss time simultaneously. Johnson has rushed for just 846 yards since entering the NFL in 2019 with the Cleveland Browns.

Friday, May 24, 12:30 AM

The Pittsburgh Steelers have signed free agent running back La'Mical Perine to a one-year deal, they announced on Thursday. Perine had been cut loose by the Kansas City Chiefs roughly one week earlier. A fourth-round pick in 2020, Perine has never been a major contributor out of the backfield. His best season came as a rookie with the New York Jets when he totaled 295 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns. He has just 33 touches over seven games since then, though he did log one start with the Chiefs in 2023 (21 rushes, 76 rushing yards, three receptions, 33 receiving yards). Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren have the top two running back spots occupied in Pittsburgh, so Perine is presumably competing for the third-string role with versatile veteran Cordarrelle Patterson, former Harvard standout Aaron Shampklin, and undrafted rookie Daijun Edwards. He remains off the fantasy radar.