NFL Player News

Grimes and the Texans agreed to a one-year extension on Friday, Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Grimes will stay in Houston for at least one more season, though the specifics of the contract are still unknown. In his last three seasons in Houston he recorded 116 caries for 508 yards, 38 receptions for 355 yards, and three total touchdowns in 32 games. He'll look to compete for second-string reps next season behind new addition Lamar Miller.

The Cardinals and Johnson agreed to a one-year contract Thursday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

After taking a visit to the RB-needy Dolphins this week, Johnson has decided to remain in Arizona, where he revitalized his career in 2015 to the tune of 814 yards on the ground and three touchdowns in 11 games. However, he sustained a fractured left tibia in Week 12, ending his season as the Cardinals went on to lose in the NFC championship game. The injury allowed David Johnson to take the reins of the rushing attack, meaning the elder Johnson will be relegated to a reserve role in the fall.

The Seahawks and Michael agreed to a contract Thursday, John Boyle of the team's official site reports.

Michael split time between the Cowboys and Seahawks in 2015, ultimately racking up 54 carries for 243 yards and three catches (on five targets) for 16 yards across eight games. With his knowledge of Seattle's running scheme in the back pocket, he can safely be penciled in as Thomas Rawls' (ankle) primary backup at this point in the offseason.

Johnson is expected to make a choice between Miami and Arizona as his free agent destination, Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com reports.

Other teams have requested a visit from Johnson, but he isn't likely to make them according to La Canfora. Johnson rushed for 814 yards and three touchdowns in 11 games for the Cardinals in 2015; he would likely take the top running back job from Lamar Miller should he take his talents to Miami.

Johnson (knee) was in Miami for a visit on Wednesday, Adam Beasley of the Miami Herald reports.

The Dolphins lost out on C.J. Anderson when the Broncos matched the contract offer Tuesday but they are still looking for a veteran back to compete for the starting job with Jay Ajayi. Johnson had a productive season for Arizona last year rushing for 814 yards before suffering a broken leg in Week 12 that prematurely ended his 2015 campaign.

The Vikings have re-signed Asiata.

Asiata, who recorded 112 yards on 29 carries and added 19 receptions for 132 yards in 16 games in 2015, will reprise his depth running back role for the Vikings this coming season, though his path to fantasy utility is blocked by the presence of teammates Adrian Peterson and Jerick McKinnon.

The Patriots have signed Brown, ESPN.com reports.

With LeGarrette Blount currently a free agent and Dion Lewis coming off a torn ACL, Brown bolsters the Patriots' backfield depth, joining the likes of James White, Brandon Bolden, Tyler Gaffney and Joey Iosefa on that front. While the signing of Brown is not a splashy one, the veteran could be a good fit in the New England offense, with ESPN's Eric Williams describing Brown as a "cerebral player" who "excels in blitz pickup."

The Patriots have reportedly signed Brown.

Brown is thus poised to join a New England running back mix that also includes Dion Lewis, James White, Brandon Bolden and Tyler Gaffney, though at this stage, we suspect that the composition of the team's backfield remains fluid. Brown, who will turn 29 in April, recorded 229 rushing yards and a TD on 59 carries in 10 games to go along with eight catches for 88 yards for the Chargers in 2015.

The Broncos told Anderson that they are matching Miami's offer sheet, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports.

The Broncos clearly made a mistake when they gave Anderson an original-round tender instead of a second-round tender, as the latter cost just $882,000 more and almost certainly would have dissuaded other teams from signing him to an offer sheet. Now, the Broncos will match Miami's four-year, $18 million offer, leaving little doubt that they intend for Anderson to lead the backfield in 2016. Ronnie Hillman, who split work with Anderson for the majority of 2015, is an unrestricted free agent and remains unsigned. The Dolphins, meanwhile, will have to find another running back to compete with Jay Ajayi.

Mathews and teammate Darren Sproles are being pegged as the Eagles' primary running backs following the trade of DeMarco Murray, Philly.com reports.

Mathews' future with the Eagles was somewhat uncertain earlier this week, but after Murray was traded, executive vice president of football operations Howie Roseman expressed confidence in Mathews and Sproles as the team's top two runners. In 13 games last season, Mathews rushed for 539 yards and six touchdowns, averaging a career-best 5.1 yards per carry along the way. While the Eagles could certainly add another running back in the upcoming draft, it appears Mathews could be their primary ball-carrier this season, according to Roseman and coach Doug Pederson's recent comments.