NFL Player News

Vereen (triceps) agreed to reduce his 2017 base salary from $3.15 million to $2.15 million, NJ.com reports.

With Vereen coming off a season-ending triceps tear while entering the final year of his contract, there was some question if the Giants intended to keep him around. The question was answered when the team paid him a $500,000 roster bonus March 13 -- likely doing so with the understanding that Vereen would eventually accept a reduction in his base salary. The Giants did recently sign Shaun Draughn, who has done his best work on passing downs in recent years. Draughn is probably an insurance policy more so than legitimate competition, but it's something to keep an eye on in training camp. Paul Perkins currently slots in as the lead back, with Vereen likely handling most of the work on obvious passing downs, assuming his triceps heals as expected. The Giants could still add another running back during the upcoming draft, but such a move would probably be more of a concern for Perkins than for Vereen.

Murray's ankle surgery was related to bone spurs, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Less than a week removed from signing with the Vikings, Murray went under the knife Wednesday for an issue that became known during a mandated physical. He's expected to be healthy in time for training camp, but his absence from the offseason program could put him behind the eight ball as he attempts to build a rapport with quarterback Sam Bradford and the rest of the offense. Throughout three seasons with the Raiders, he averaged 4.2 YPC and gathered in 91 of 119 targets (76.5 percent). Typically, sure hands would indicate that he's poised for a three-down role, but Jerick McKinnon has experience within the system, while the Vikings are a candidate to select a running back in April's draft, two factors that may place a damper on Murray's expectations.

Murray underwent ankle surgery Wednesday, the Vikings' official site reports.

Per the Vikings, the issue was revealed during Murray's physical prior to signing with the team last week. The extent nor the severity has been revealed, but he's expected to be ready by the start of training camp, thereby wiping away a large portion of the implementation of the offense due to his absence from the offseason program. Nonetheless, Murray isn't expected to be a true workhorse in the vein of the player he's slated to replace -- Adrian Peterson -- but the 27-year-old boasts steady receiving skills, reeling in 91 of 119 targets during three seasons with the Raiders. With the knowledge of Wednesday's surgery, expect the Vikings to tab another RB in next month's NFL Draft.

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.