NFL Player News

The league is investigating allegations made this past week against Watson under the NFL's personal-conduct policy, NFL.com reports.

In a statement released Thursday, the Texans noted that they will cooperate with the league's investigation. "The NFL informed us today that they will conduct an investigation into the allegations made in the civil lawsuits filed against Deshaun Watson," the team stated. "We will stay in close contact with the league as they do. We continue to take this and all matters involving anyone within the Houston Texans organization seriously. We do not anticipate making any additional statements until the NFL's investigation concludes." Per Sarah Barshop of ESPN.com, seven lawsuits have been filed against Watson, alleging inappropriate conduct and sexual assault.

Allen (ankle) signed his exclusive rights free agent tender with Washington on Thursday, Field Yates of ESPN reports.

The club extended the tender to Allen on Mar. 10, and the signal-caller's 2021 commitment to Washington becomes official with Thursday's transaction. Newly-signed free agent addition Ryan Fitzpatrick is expected to head up Washington's quarterback room this fall, while Allen ranks third in the pecking order directly behind Taylor Heinicke (shoulder). As the team's starter Weeks 5 through 9 of last season, Allen posted a 1-3 record while throwing four touchdowns and committing a pair of giveaways.

Trubisky will sign a one-year deal with the Bills, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

In terms of fantasy value, this is a terrible landing spot for managers of Trubisky in dynasty formats, as he's being signed to serve strictly as a backup to Josh Allen, with no chance at a starting job. However, in football terms it's a sound signing, as Trubisky has a similar style of play to Allen and gives a Super Bowl contender viable insurance in case the franchise signal caller suffers an injury. Trubisky is still just 26 years old and has a first-round pedigree, so as far as career development goes, being in the QB room of a high-powered offense with a good coaching staff may aid him toward bigger and better things down the road.

The Raiders told Mariota he will be released (or traded) if he doesn't accept a pay cut to $3 million for 2021, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Mariota is scheduled for a non-guaranteed $10.725 million in the second season of his two-year contract. The Raiders aren't likely to find a trade partner, but Mariota should be able to generate interest as a free agent, and he could ultimately get more than $3 million. Any hope for a trade would depend on a contract renegotiation that put Mariota's salary somewhere between the two aforementioned numbers.

The Lions signed Boyle to a one-year, $2.5 million contract Wednesday, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.

The 26-year-old wasn't tendered a contract by the Packers as a restricted free agent, but he'll remain in the NFC North for 2021. Boyle has attempted only four passes since going undrafted out of Eastern Kentucky in 2018. He could serve as Jared Goff's top backup in the likely event that Detroit releases Chase Daniel later in the offseason.

Mullens (elbow) became an unrestricted free agent Wednesday, Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

The 49ers elected not to tender Mullens a contract, so he's free to sign with any team. Mullens played 10 games (eight starts) for the 49ers last season, completing 65 percent of his passes for 2,437 yards, 12 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. He's still in recovery mode from the elbow surgery that ended his season, so he could remain on the open market for the next few months until teams are fully convinced that he's healthy again.

The 49ers do not plan to tender Mullens (elbow) as a restricted free agent, Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

Mullens served as a spot starter for the 49ers in his first three NFL seasons, appearing in 19 games overall. He experienced his most success during his rookie campaign in 2018, when he completed 64 percent of his passes with 13 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Mullens is currently rehabbing from elbow surgery, and he could ultimately land back with the 49ers later in the offseason.

Brissett has agreed to a one-year deal with Miami, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

The 28-year-old gives the Dolphins a capable backup to work behind 2020 first-rounder Tua Tagovailoa. Brissett, who entered the league in 2016 as a third-round pick of the Patriots, didn't see much action with the Colts last season, but he does have a couple of years worth of NFL starting experience under his belt.

Taylor has agreed to a one-year deal with the Texans that is worth up to $12.5 million, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

For now, Taylor can be penciled in as the team's No. 2 QB behind Deshaun Watson. He does, however, provide the Texans with an experienced starting option in the event that Watson's status with the team changes in any way in the coming weeks/months.

Dalton agreed to a one-year, $10 million contract with the Bears on Tuesday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

With Chicago poised to move on from 2017 second overall pick Mitchell Trubisky, the team has brought Dalton into its quarterback room, seemingly to compete with Nick Foles for the starting gig. Dalton filled in for Dak Prescott last season following his season-ending ankle injury, completing 65 percent of his passes for 2,170 yards, 14 touchdowns and eight interceptions in 11 contests. The Bears offense could be overhauled further this spring, but Dalton should at least have the franchise-tagged Allen Robinson at his disposal in the passing game for 2021.