NFL Player News

Gordon signed a one-year, $2.5 million base deal with the Broncos on Wednesday, Mike Klis of 9News Denver reports.

The veteran running back has a chance to make up to $4 million with incentives, though it was previously reported that the contract could be worth up to $5 million. As the figures were clarified Thursday, it appears that the duo of Gordon and Javonte Williams are likely headed toward some sort of split in workload out of the backfield once again in 2022. Both backs found success in what was an inconsistent offense last season. The addition of Russell Wilson at quarterback could be the spark that both Gordon and Williams need to take their fantasy potential to the next level, even if they continue to share duties at a near-even split again.

Williams will be paired with Melvin Gordon in the backfield once again 2022 after the Broncos re-signed Gordon to a one-year deal Tuesday, Jeff Legwold of ESPN.com reports.

Prior to Denver bringing back Gordon, Williams seemed positioned to see a big boost in his workload this coming season, but a timeshare arrangement could now be back in play. Both players logged 203 carries in 2021, and while there should be enough touches for the two to remain fantasy relevant, Williams' ceiling is nonetheless hampered by the continued presence of the capable Gordon. Of the two, Williams profiles as the upside play, but as long as his veteran counterpart is available, the 2021 second-round pick's volume figures to be capped.

Gordon agreed to a one-year contract worth up to $5 million with the Broncos on Tuesday, Troy Renck of Denver 7 News reports.

The 29-year-old will return to Denver for another year after rushing for 918 yards and eight touchdowns in 16 games last season. He also caught 28 passes for 213 yards and two more scores. Gordon should still be fairly involved in 2022 but figures to have a reduced role after splitting work with Javonte Williams last year -- Williams also received 203 carries during his rookie campaign. However, it remains to be seen exactly how their workloads shake out in 2022 with Russell Wilson now helming the offense.

Mitchell said Monday that he underwent a cleanup procedure on his knee following his rookie season, but he expects to be 100 percent in advance of training camp, Matt Barrows of The Athletic reports.

Mitchell was a fixture on the 49ers' injury reports throughout the 2021 campaign, with a combination of the knee, shoulder and rib injuries as well as a concussion keeping him sidelined for six of San Francisco's 20 contests, including the postseason. The knee issue first popped up in early December, but Mitchell continued to fill a lead role out of the 49ers backfield when he was available for the final five games, as he amassed 373 rushing yards, 68 receiving yards and two scores over those contests. His efficiency took a big hit, however, as he averaged 4.6 yards per carry through his first nine contests, compared to only 3.8 yards per carry in his final five appearances. Mitchell is hopeful that the knee procedure along with adding some extra bulk -- he plans to play at around 215 pounds in 2022 after hovering around 212 as a rookie -- will allow him to recapture the success he enjoyed during the early portion of 2021.

Kamara's legal case pending in Las Vegas has been pushed back to Aug. 1, Amie Just of The New Orleans Times-Picayune reports.

Kamara is facing two battery-related charges as a result of a February incident at a Las Vegas establishment. It's not clear if this delay in the legal process will impact Kamara's availability for the start of Saints training camp in late July.

Akers is aiming to make "big strides" this offseason after making a quicker than expected recovery from a torn Achilles suffered last July, Greg Beacham of the Associated Press reports.

Despite picking up the serious injury just before training camp, Akers was given a chance to return at some point during the 2021 campaign when the Rams opted to place him on the reserve/non-football injury list on Aug. 31 versus injured reserve, the latter of which would have made him ineligible to play. He eventually was activated prior to Week 16 and made his season debut Week 18, and during the Rams' run to a Super Bowl LVI victory he served as the team's primary running back. In those five games, though, Akers averaged just 2.4 yards on his 72 carries, corralled 11 of 13 passes for 86 yards and didn't score a touchdown. During Thursday's media appearance, he relayed, "I wouldn't say I did well. ... I did what I was supposed to do, but obviously that's not enough for me." As he puts the injury further in the rearview mirror, the soon-to-be 23-year-old (in June) will look to fulfill his standing as a 2020 second-round pick, with his primary competition Darrell Henderson, a three-year pro.

Brightwell (neck) was a participant in the Giants' voluntary minicamp Wednesday.

Brightwell ended last season on IR after suffering a neck injury in Week 15 against the Cowboys. The 2021 sixth-round selection saw little work on offense during his rookie campaign, getting one carry for four yards and one reception on one target for six yards in 13 games. Instead Brightwell was a consistent contributor on special teams, a role he'll likely continue this upcoming season.

Igwebuike signed his exclusive-rights tender with the Lions on Tuesday, Aaron Wilson of ProFootballNetwork.com reports.

Igwebuike will be back for his second season with Detroit and his fourth NFL season overall. The reserve running back appeared in all 17 games for the Lions last season, tallying 18 rushes for 118 yards and one touchdown while adding seven catches for 60 yards, but he made his biggest impact as the team's primary kick returner with 697 return yards. Igwebuike should reprise that role next season but will look to eliminate his turnovers after fumbling twice in 2021.

Washington signed a one-year contract with the Saints on Monday.

Washington was drafted by the Lions in the seventh round of the 2016 Draft and has appeared in 71 regular-season games and four postseason contests. He's totaled 157 carries for 554 yards and one touchdown while catching 15 passes for 94 yards during his seven-year career. Since joining New Orleans in 2018, Washington has been a standout special-teams player and figures to garner a similar role in 2022.

McCaffrey (ankle) is participating in offseason workouts.

It's another hint McCaffrey didn't have too much trouble this offseason with any of the various injuries that impacted his 2021 campaign. He played only 10 games over the past two years, but he does seem to be in good health at the moment, and he averaged 112.1 total yards and 5.4 catches per game last season despite exiting early with injuries in two of his seven appearances. Apart from health, the biggest concern for McCaffrey is poor QB play, as the Panthers still are in the process of trying to upgrade on Sam Darnold.