Jonathon Brooks Fantasy Football Value: A Late-Round Sleeper With Dynasty Upside
Are you willing to take a flyer on post-hype sleeper Jonathon Brooks? Sam Wallace breaks down what to expect in 2026 and beyond.
The Carolina Panthers spent a second-round pick on Jonathon Brooks back in 2024, and he's played in just three games over his first two seasons. With his return to health seemingly nearing completion, should dynasty managers be paying more attention to the still-only 22-year-old RB?
Let's rewind the clock a bit.
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What Is Jonathon Brooks' Value in Fantasy Football for 2026?
Courtesy of our Rookie RB Model, Brooks was the RB1 of a relatively weak RB class back in 2024. His model score of 75 would have put him fifth in the 2025 class and 29th overall dating back to 2017. However, he would have slotted in as the No. 2 option this year, just ahead of Jadarian Price (71).
Brooks missed most of his rookie season because of a late-season ACL tear in college, and then he re-tore the same ACL once he returned. He went on to miss the remainder of 2024 and all of 2025. He now qualifies as more than just a post-hype sleeper; he has just 12 total NFL touches to his name and none since Week 14 of 2024.
However, despite the brutal injuries and significant missed time, all signs are pointing to Brooks playing a significant role for the Panthers this season. He's been cleared by his doctor to take part in the offseason program, and he reportedly feels close to 100%. Our fantasy football projections are optimistic as well:
- 125 rushing attempts
- 552 rushing yards (4.4 YPC)
- 3.3 rushing TDs
- 23 receptions
- 166 receiving yards
- 4+ total TDs
His projected finish is currently RB41.
Chuba Hubbard will likely get the first crack at lead-back duties, but Brooks should have no problem factoring in right away as either an RB2 or a strong 1B. Besides Hubbard, the only competition Brooks will have for touches is AJ Dillon and Trevor Etienne.
Here at Fantasy Life, we are pretty confident in Brooks beating out both of them for playing time and opportunities.
In a piece earlier this offseason, Dwain McFarland reminded us of some key metrics that made Brooks an intriguing rookie prospect just a few short seasons ago:
- He broke out with 1,139 rushing yards, 10 TDs and 6.1 yards per carry in his third season at Texas
- His career 34% missed-tackles-forced rate sits in the 83rd percentile since 2017
- His 4.1 yards after contact lands in the 60th percentile
Pass-catching upside is always something to look for in later-round RBs. While consistent rushing attempts might be more difficult to come by as the secondary option, a player who can be productive and efficient in the passing game can turn those higher-value touches into more fantasy points.
While there's certainly some intrigue for Brooks, I'm honestly a bit more excited about (and think he has more potential upside in) dynasty leagues. Adam Pfeifer recently noted that Brooks is moving up the board in early best ball drafts as managers are starting to take notice. Dynasty managers should be paying attention as well.
Jonathon Brooks Dynasty Fantasy Football Value
Age plays a big factor in how dynasty managers … manage their RBs. We know that they can age out of meaningful playing time pretty quickly, and once the wheels fall off, it's almost impossible for them to get going again. However, for a guy who will start Week 1 at just 23 years old, Brooks could realistically see his value increase over the next few months or more.
Hubbard will be 27 at the start of this season, which means he's already at his peak value. Dynasty managers should be looking to land Brooks this offseason before more positive news comes out of camp about how good he's looking and feeling. Although it's important to remember that every player on every team looks like they are in the best shape of their life during offseason workouts.
To be sure, there's substantial risk in trading for an RB coming off consecutive torn ACLs. Brooks could have lost a step that he is just unable to fully recover, and he could be relegated to nothing more than a change-of-pace option out of the backfield. However, I'm putting more stock in both his age and modern healthcare technology that he'll at least be a serviceable asset with potential upside should something happen to Hubbard.
If something were to happen to Hubbard, Brooks will headline every free agent tweet and article the very next day.
A future third-round rookie pick probably won't get it done, but I don't feel great about a second-round pick, either. For me, he's one of those classic fringe players. However, if you are a stacked, contending team and you believe your second-round pick will be late in 2027, that's where I would start my trade offers for Brooks. There's a very good chance he's chilling on a taxi squad in your league somewhere or buried at the bottom of some deep dynasty bench. Make some moves before the word gets out even more.
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