NFL Player News

Rudolph will begin OTAs as the Steelers' backup quarterback after Mitchell Trubisky agreed to a two-year deal with the team Monday, Mark Kaboly of The Athletic reports.

Rudolph looked like he had a chance to serve as Pittsburgh's starter under center after Ben Roethlisberger announced his retirement earlier in the offseason, but Trubisky now will be the clear favorite to take the starting job after spending a year behind Josh Allen in Buffalo. After filling in during 10 games in 2019, Rudolph has made seven appearances across the last two seasons and has completed 60 of 101 passes for 601 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions while rushing 12 times for 47 yards.

Trubisky has agreed to a two-year deal with the Steelers, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports.

The No. 2 overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft (by the Bears) served as Josh Allen's backup with the Bills last season. With the Steelers, however, Trubisky now is slated to have a chance to step back into a starting role, taking over for Pittsburgh's long-time franchise QB Ben Roethlisberger, who retired after the 2021 season. Also in the team's signal-caller mix are Mason Rudolph and Dwayne Haskins.

The Lions re-signed Boyle to a one-year, $2 million contract Monday, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports.

Boyle's contract includes $1.75 million in guaranteed money, with another $500,000 in incentives. The 27-year-old signal-caller started three games for the Lions last season, throwing more interceptions than touchdowns in each contest and only exceeding 200 passing yards once. However, Detroit appears satisfied enough with Boyle's ability to helm the offense under emergency circumstances, and he's now positioned to reprise a familiar role as the No. 2 option behind Jared Goff unless further options are added to the quarterback room.

Hoyer is signing a a two-year, $4 million contract to stay with the Patriots, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports.

The 36-year-old backup QB has played for seven NFL teams, but the Patriots are the only one he's spent more than two seasons with. Despite that, Hoyer has made just one start in a New England uniform, and each of his five appearances last season came off the bench behind Mac Jones, who will be back in 2022 as the team's starting QB. That leaves Hoyer as the favorite for the No. 2 job, though the Patriots could add some competition before camp.

The Broncos extended a contract tender to Rypien on Sunday.

Rypien played just three offensive snaps during the 2021 campaign and failed to complete either of his two pass attempts. As an exclusive rights free agent, he'll return to Denver in 2022 to serve as a reserve to Russell Wilson.

Cousins signed a one-year, $35 million contract extension with the Vikings on Sunday.

Cousins drew some trade interest during the offseason as several other veteran quarterbacks were dealt recently, but he'll remain under contract with Minnesota through the 2023 season on a deal that includes a no-trade clause. His $35 million salary is fully guaranteed and will free up nearly $14 million in cap room for the Vikings heading into free agency. The 33-year-old completed 372 of 561 passes for 4,221 yards, 33 touchdowns and seven interceptions while rushing 29 times for 115 yards and a touchdown during the 2021 campaign, and he drew praise from new head coach Kevin O'Connell in February.

A grand jury in Harris County, Texas voted Friday not to indict Watson in the wake of a nearly year-long police investigation stemming from civil lawsuits filed by 22 women who accused the quarterback of sexual misconduct, Sarah Barshop of ESPN.com reports.

Watson won't face charges from any of the 10 criminal complaints filed against him in relation to the allegations, but he still faces civil case depositions and possible discipline from the NFL. According to Barshop, NFL spokesperson Brian McCarthy released a statement Friday noting that the league has "been closely monitoring all developments in the matter which remains under review of the personal conduct policy."

Driskel signed a one-year contract extension with Houston on Friday, Aaron Wilson of ProFootballNetwork.com reports.

Driskel finished 2021 on injured reserve after suffering a fractured collarbone in December, and he appeared in only one game during the campaign. According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the 28-year-old will shift back to quarterback after seeing action at tight end late last season.

Sudfeld signed a reserve/future contract with the 49ers on Thursday.

Sudfeld spent the majority of the 2021 season on the 49ers' practice squad, but was elevated to the active roster and a gameday inactive on four occasions. He could occupy the backup role in 2022 if Jimmy Garoppolo (shoulder) is traded, but San Francisco would likely bring in more competition at the position if that is the case.

Allen isn't in line to receive a contract tender from the Commanders, Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post reports.

Allen earned a roster spot as Washington's backup quarterback in 2021, but he made just two appearances and completed 12 of 19 passes for 120 yards and a touchdown. He'll be free to sign with any other team starting next week after the Commanders acquired Carson Wentz from the Colts on Wednesday.