NFL Player News

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.

With Matt Forte headed to the Jets, Carey has a great chance to see an increased role in 2016.

Although Jeremy Langford is penciled in as the Bears starting running back for 2016, Carey had at least seven carries in four different games while Forte struggled with injuries last season. Although Carey didn't post more than 56 yards in any game, he did average 4.01 yards per carry, so it's possible he can earn a significant portion of early-down work in the Bears backfield.

The Dolphins have signed Anderson to an offer sheet, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports.

Anderson's offer sheet with the Dolphins is reportedly a four-year deal worth $18 million. The Broncos, who continue to take offseason personnel hits, now have five days to match Miami's offer or lose Anderson. Meanwhile, fellow running back Ronnie Hillman is eligible to leave the Broncos as an unrestricted free agent.

Cunningham, a restricted free agent, is visiting with the Patriots on Thursday, Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports reports.

With Dion Lewis (knee) recovering from a mid-season ACL tear, the Patriots are interested in adding a cheap passing-down back to provide insurance. Cunningham has never displayed much running ability, but he did a solid job in his third-down role with the Rams the past two seasons.

Anderson is visiting with the Dolphins on Thursday, NFL.com's Ian Rapoport reports.

The Broncos only extended Anderson an original-round tender, which means the team won't receive any draft compensation if the running back signs with a new team. However, Denver still has the right to match any contract, as Anderson is a restricted free agent. Even if hopes for Jay Ajayi are high, the Dolphins will likely try to sign a veteran running back after losing Lamar Miller to the Texans.

Rodgers re-signed with the Bears, inking a one-year deal, the Bears official website reports.

Rodgers missed most of the 2015 season, as he was placed on injured-reserve with a broken arm. During the five games he played last year, he had 14 carries for 41 yards along with one reception for 10 yards. He'll likely provide backfield depth behind Jeremy Langford and Ka'Deem Carey.

Michael was not given a qualifying offer by the Seahawks and is an unrestricted free agent, the Seattle Times reports.

Michael played for three teams last season, beginning and ending the year with the Seahawks. His second go with the Seahawks was a bit more promising. He could end up back in Seattle this season.

The Bucs have signed Martin to a five-year deal worth in excess of $35 million, Ian Rappaport of NFL.com reports.

The signing comes two hours shy of Martin hitting the open market as a 27-year-old tailback coming off a 1,400-yard season, preventing Tampa from having to scour free agency or invest a high draft pick on a new tailback. As per Rappaport, the deal contains $15 million in guaranteed money, and averages $7.25 million over the first three seasons, with a maximum overall value of $42.5 million. Although the courtship between Martin and the Bucs looked somewhat shaky at times this offseason, he ultimately made good on his previously-stated preference to remain in Tampa, and secured a contract that would have been highly improbable a year ago at this time. His retention preserves a potentially potent young nucleus of Jameis Winston, Charles Sims, Mike Evans, Austin Seferian-Jenkins and Martin, and frees the Bucs up to address other needs in free agency and the upcoming draft.