Who Should I Start? Jaret Patterson or Phil Mafah

Saturday, August 31, 9:20 AM

The Los Angeles Chargers have signed free agent running back Jaret Patterson to their practice squad. He had been released from the 53-man roster earlier in the week but is now back in the building. The 24-year-old registered 339 yards and two touchdowns as a rookie in 2021, but his production has scaled back since then and he didn't even register a touch last year. He's merely a depth option behind the four running backs on the Chargers' active roster and therefore isn't expected to see the field much in 2024.

Wednesday, May 7, 8:14 PM

The Dallas Cowboys have signed seventh-round rookie running back Phil Mafah to a four-year, $4.31 million deal, per the team's transaction log. Mafah spent his entire college career at Clemson, garnering seven starts over his first three seasons before starting in all 14 games in 2024. He broke out last year, rushing for 1,115 yards and eight touchdowns across 216 carries (5.2 YPC). The 22-year-old wasn't much of a receiver over his first two campaigns, but he caught 21 balls in each of his junior and senior seasons, though he did not score any TDs there. Like his fellow rookie rusher Jaydon Blue, Mafah will have the opportunity to crack Dallas' backfield due to the lack of competition in front of him. This RB room will be one to watch throughout the months leading up to the NFL season.