NFL Player News

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.

Hightower, an unrestricted free agent, will visit with the 49ers on Thursday, ESPN.com's Mike Triplett reports.

Hightower was one of the better stories of the 2015 season, returning from a three-year absence to play a big role in the New Orleans offense late in the year. He then handled a complementary role for most of 2016, taking 133 carries for 548 yards (4.1 YPC) and four touchdowns, with another 200 yards and a touchdown on 22 catches (26 catches). While lacking in explosiveness, the 30-year-old could garner a reasonably strong contract due to his competence as a power runner, pass blocker and receiver. Hightower could slide right in as Carlos Hyde's top backup in San Francisco, potentially getting the majority of passing-down snaps.

Minnesota signed Murray to a three-year deal early Thursday, the Vikings' official site reports.

The Vikings have officially moved on from the Adrian Peterson era with the move. During his three-season stint with the Raiders, Murray recorded a 1,000-yard campaign in 2015, while ranking fifth in the NFL with 12 rushing touchdowns last year. His contract with the Vikings can be voided after one season, per Field Yates of ESPN, so Murray in essence received a prove-it deal.

Sims (pectoral) will return as a key component of the Tampa Bay backfield, while teammate Doug Martin (suspension) faces a more uncertain future, the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Martin's suspension cost him $7 million in guarantees, making it more palatable for the Buccaneers to simply release him in the wake of an ineffective season that was plagued by both injuries and the suspension. Even if he sticks around, Martin will miss the first three games, and then may have to re-prove himself to the team. Sims also saw his 2016 campaign marred by injuries, limiting him to 75 touches (24 catches) in only seven games. He landed on injured reserve with a pectoral injury prior to Week 17, but there's been nothing to suggest the ailment will be a factor for the upcoming season, which means Sims should be locked into his usual role as the passing-down back. He'll have the potential for a bit more than that -- especially if Martin is released or ineffective -- but the Bucs also have Jacquizz Rodgers and Peyton Barber in the mix for carries. Given Sims' injury history, Rodgers' middling track record and Barber's inexperience, the Bucs may also look to upgrade via the draft.

The Broncos have committed nearly $24 million in guarantees to free agent offensive linemen Ronald Leary and Menelik Watson, 9News Denver reports, with both moves potentially paying dividends in the way of rushing lanes for Anderson this coming season.

Much has already been made of Denver's decision to move away from Gary Kubiak's zone-blocking attack this season, with new head coach Vance Joseph's confirming that the team will instead employ a mix of gap and zone schemes. The real issue last season was mediocre talent along the offensive line, with Denver's front ranking as the sixth worst in the NFL in terms of yards before contact, according to Pro Football Focus. Leary, who played left guard in Dallas, should join center Matt Paradis and guard Max Garcia, PFF's highest-ranked Broncos linemen in 2016, to form a quality interior line. Expect Watson, whose athleticism earned him a 2013 second-round selection, to be a part of the open competition at both left and right tackle, provided his injury woes don't follow him from Oakland. With further upgrades likely coming in the draft, Denver's line should give Anderson more room to work with in 2017.