NFL Player News

Cunningham (neck) is visiting with the Bears on Tuesday, Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports reports.

The 2013 undrafted free agent was effective but unspectacular in his role as a passing-down back and kickoff returner during his four-year tenure in St. Louis. The Rams' recent signing of fellow pass-catching back Lance Dunbar suggests the team doesn't plan to retain Cunningham, who could slide right into a similar role if he joins Jordan Howard in the Chicago backfield. Cunningham did miss the final four games of last season with a neck injury, which could complicate a possible deal.

The Chargers and Barner (hamstring) agreed to terms of a contract Monday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Seeking some stability behind Melvin Gordon (knee) following the departure of Danny Woodhead (knee), the Chargers have added Barner to a backfield that includes holdover Kenneth Farrow (shoulder). Barner is less experienced in a lead role than Farrow, who earned two starts down the stretch last season when Gordon was lost for the season with a sprained PCL and hip strain. At the very least, though, Barner's kick-return chops will be valuable after averaging 30.8 yards on his nine attempts with the Eagles during the 2016 campaign.

Davis signed with the Steelers on Monday.

Davis joins Pittsburgh after a season in which he was traded from the Chiefs to the Packers, then rejoined Kansas City after being waived by both Green Bay and the Jets. A third-round pick in 2013, Davis has long drawn intrigue for his combination of size and speed, but his career average of 3.2 yards per rush on 250 carries tells the real story of his ability. Although DeAngelo Williams' status as a free agent leaves an opening behind Le'Veon Bell (groin) in the Steelers' high-powered offense, Davis' lack of recent production is something fantasy owners shouldn't overlook.

The Rams signed Lance Dunbar, who could be a replacement for Cunningham (neck), the Los Angeles Times reports.

Dunbar and Cunningham are both pass-catching backs who have mostly been useful in obvious passing situations. It wouldn't make much sense to pair them on the same roster, though it's possible the Rams could give Cunningham another shot if he's willing to accept the veteran's minimum. Otherwise, Cunningham will look for another team in need of a third-down back and special teams contributor. He was solid in his specialized role in 2014 and 2015, but he only caught 16 passes for 91 yards in 11 appearances last season.

McFadden only received an $80,000 signing bonus on his one-year contract with the Cowboys, Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle reports.

McFadden signed a veteran's minimum benefit contract, which means part of his $900,000 base salary will not count against the Cowboys' cap, though he'll still receive the money if he's with the team. While the cap benefit works in his favor, it's still quite telling that he settled for a contract with only $80,000 guaranteed, suggesting his value plummeted in the wake of a season that was mostly lost to a broken elbow. McFadden could still have a shot at the top backup job, as Alfred Morris has a larger contract and less versatility. Of the two, Morris is probably the one who would find his roster spot in jeopardy if the Cowboys were to select a running back or two in the upcoming draft.

It is still unclear where Martin (suspension) fits into the Buccaneers' plans for 2017, the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Martin played just eight games in the first season of his five-year, $35.75 contract, first missing an extended stretch with a hamstring injury, and then sitting out Week 17 due to a four-game suspension stemming from a violation of the NFL's policy on performance-enhancing substances. The suspension voids more than $7 million in guarantees from his contract, allowing the Bucs to easily move on from a deal that already looks like a mistake. Martin has a pair of 1,400-yard rushing seasons (2012, 2015) to his name, but he's only played 57 of a possible 80 games through five years, and he managed just 144 carries for 421 yards (2.9 YPC) in 2016. Although he is said to be doing well after completing a stay at a rehab center in February, the 28-year-old running back will still be unavailable for Weeks 1-3. Given his injury history, salary and track record of inconsistency, Martin is in serious danger of being released before the season. His fate might be sealed in late April if the Bucs use a high draft pick on a running back. The team re-signed Jacquizz Rodgers and will also return both Charles Sims and Peyton Barber.

The Bills signed Banyard on Friday, ESPN's Mike Rodak reports.

Banyard is jack of all trades who can provide depth in the running, passing and return games. He even has the ability to serve as an emergency quarterback. However, the Bills are just filling out their offseason roster, so it's no certainty the 28-year-old even makes the team next season.

McFadden has re-signed with the Cowboys on a one-year deal, Nick Eatman of DallasCowboys.com reports.

McFadden broke his elbow last summer and didn't make his 2016 debut until Week 15, ultimately finishing the year with 24 carries for 87 yards and three catches for 17 yards. He'll now compete with Alfred Morris for backup touches behind Ezekiel Elliott, while pass-catching specialist Lance Dunbar signed with the Rams in free agency. McFadden's receiving ability could give him the edge over Morris in a backfield that no longer includes Dunbar.

The decision to sign Murray signals a shift in the Vikings' offensive philosophy, ESPN.com reports.

Long centered around Adrian Peterson's powerful legs, the Minnesota offense was forced to change last season while dealing with the combination of Peterson's absence and poor play along the line. Murray's addition hints at a continued move toward a modern pass-oriented scheme, as the former Raider brings a versatile skill set that includes strong pass blocking and solid hands -- but he doesn't have the elusiveness or tackle-breaking ability to put an offense on his back. Regardless of whether Sam Bradford or Teddy Bridgewater (knee) is under center, the Minnesota passing game likely will have to carry the offense in 2017. Murray will be joined in the backfield by Jerick McKinnon, who managed just 3.4 yards per carry in Peterson's absence last year. The 27-year-old Murray has a lot to play for, as his three-year contract can be voided after the first season. The Vikings may also bring in more help via the draft rather than fully relying on Murray and McKinnon to carry the load.

McKinnon will be joined by free-agent signing Latavius Murray in the Minnesota backfield, 1500 ESPN Twin Cities reports.

After managing just 3.4 yards per carry in Adrian Peterson's absence last season, McKinnon had to know the team would bring in serious competition even if it chose not to keep Peterson around. Murray isn't the most talented runner, but he does offer versatility and has a better track record than McKinnon. The Vikings could still further upgrade their backfield through the upcoming draft, potentially giving McKinnon competition from multiple sources as he enters the final year of his rookie contract. Murray is the clear favorite to handle the lead back job.