Who Should I Start? Julius Chestnut or Phil Mafah

Wednesday, March 19, 3:13 PM

The Tennessee Titans are re-signing running back Julius Chestnut to a one-year contract, according to NFL insider Tom Pelissero. Chestnut signed with Tennessee after going undrafted in 2022 out of Sacred Heart University, and he has contributed on special teams and offense over the last three seasons. Overall, the 24-year-old has logged 31 rushes for 102 yards, five receptions for 52 yards, four tackles, and one fumble recovery in 23 career games. While Chestnut is unlikely to be fantasy-relevant in 2025, the run of unfortunate injury luck for backup running back Tyjae Spears keeps him on the fantasy football radar in the deepest of fantasy football leagues. That said, if the Titans select a running back in the 2025 NFL Draft at any point, Chestnut could be a cut candidate after training camp.

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.