NFL Player News

The Packers signed Michael on Wednesday, Field Yates of ESPN reports.

After the departure of Eddie Lacy (ankle), the Packers don't have a legitimate three-down option out of the backfield, but Michael will nonetheless serve as a depth option to wide receiver-turned-running back Ty Montgomery (ribs). Of course, the front office may address the position during April's NFL Draft, which could relegate Michael to third on the depth chart. In any case, he's averaged 4.3 YPC and made eight end-zone visits during his four-year career, so he can produce when called upon.

Michael visited the Packers on Wednesday, Field Yates of ESPN reports.

For a 26-year-old, Michael is well-traveled, spending time with the Seahawks, Cowboys, and Packers. In 2016, he notched 469 rushing yards and seven total touchdowns with the Seahawks before he was waived in favor of C.J. Prosise (shoulder) and Thomas Rawls. Quickly snatched up by the Packers, Michael managed 47 carries for 172 yards and one TD across the rest of the way as a late-game alternative to Ty Montgomery. If Michael returns to Green Bay, he'll likely hold down a similar role with Eddie Lacy (ankle) officially out of the picture, depending on how the Packers proceed with the backfield as the offseason unfolds.

Hightower is visiting with the Redskins on Wednesday, ESPN's Mike Triplett reports.

Hightower was with the Redskins in 2011 when he suffered a torn ACL that didn't heal properly and subsequently kept him out of the league from 2012 to 2014. After reviving his career in New Orleans the past two seasons, the 30-year-old would seem to be a good fit in Washington's inexperienced backfield, where he might even get a shot to compete for a leading role. While other teams may primarily view him as a passing-down back, the Redskins are already set in that department with Chris Thompson. However, they don't have a clear-cut lead back, meaning that Hightower could be part of a committee at the position. Hightower's last known visit was with the 49ers.

Cunningham (neck) signed a one-year contract with the Bears on Tuesday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Cunningham spent the first four seasons of his career with the Rams mainly as a passing-down back and kickoff returner. His 2016 campaign was ultimately cut short due to a neck injury in Week 14. The Middle Tennessee State product figures to have an opportunity to secure a pass-catching role beside Jordan Howard, as well as a kick return role.

Draughn has agreed to terms on a contract with the Giants, NFL.com's Ian Rapoport reports.

Draughn entered last season as San Francisco's No. 2 running back, and while he proved to be a useful complement to Carlos Hyde on passing downs, the 29-year-old gained only 196 yards on 74 carries (2.6 YPC), dropping his career-long YPC to an ugly 3.2. This doesn't seem like a great fit, as the Giants already have a pair of solid pass-catching backs in Paul Perkins and Shane Vereen (triceps). Draughn could round out the depth chart while contributing on special teams, or he may be viewed as an insurance policy for Vereen. It's also possible Draughn will end up clawing for one of the final roster spots if the Giants add more talent in the backfield.

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.