NFL Player News

White is the Raiders' expected starter at running back following the departure of Josh Jacobs, with the recently signed Alexander Mattison likely to serve as his top backup, according to Tashan Reed of The Athletic.

Once Jacobs headed to Green Bay, it seemed inevitable that the Raiders would fortify their running back corps, either through free agency, the draft, or both. In Mattison, the team adds a player who made 13 starts for the Vikings last season, but at this stage it appears as though White -- who had an impressive finish to the 2023 regular season -- has the inside track to lead Las Vegas' backfield in 2024. In such a scenario, White would maintain fantasy utility, though his upside in that regard could hinge on how much volume he cedes to Mattison, who has three-down experience. Meanwhile, Ameer Abdullah remains on hand to provide a change-of-pace presence, with Brittain Brown, Sincere McCormick and Tyreik McAllister also in the mix.

Dowdle is set to re-sign with the Cowboys, Jon Machota of The Athletic reports.

Following the free-agent departure of Tony Pollard, Dowdle is poised to reclaim his role in a Dallas backfield that also currently includes Deuce Vaughn, Malik Davis and Snoop Conner. Chances are, the Cowboys will add further RB depth via free agency or the draft, so until the team's personnel at the position is settled, Dowdle's fantasy upside for the 2024 season will be difficult to gauge.

Mattison is in line to sign with the Raiders, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.

In 16 games for the Vikings during the 2023 regular season, Mattison had 180 carries for 700 yards and caught 30 of his 44 targets for 192 yards and three receiving TDs. With the Raiders, Mattison -- who turns 26 in June -- is slated to provide the team with needed backfield depth and a complementary option alongside 2022 fourth-rounder Zamir White following the free-agent departure of Josh Jacobs. Assuming White serves as Las Vegas' top RB option, Mattison's weekly upside will be modest, but if White is injured or struggles at all as the 2024 season progresses, Mattison could reenter the fantasy lineup equation.

Dillon (thumb/neck) officially re-signed with the Packers on Friday.

After missing the final three games of last season due to a neck stinger, Dillon was in danger of moving on to a new organization following the completion of his rookie contract, but the 2020 second-round pick will remain in Green Bay on what's called the four-year qualifying contract, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. With his signing made official by the NFL, Dillon will emerge from the early days of the new league year as the Packers' current No. 2 running back behind newcomer Josh Jacobs, who is taking over for the departed Aaron Jones (Vikings). If he's in that role Week 1 of the upcoming campaign, Dillon likely would be poised for his workload from the last three years, which amounted to nearly 13.0 touches per game.

Dillon (thumb/neck) is in line to re-sign with the Packers, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.

Considering Dillon missed the last three games of the season (including playoffs) due to a neck stinger, his return to Green Bay is pending a physical. Assuming he clears that hurdle, he'll be a part of a revamped backfield with Josh Jacobs swapping in for Aaron Jones as the team's top runner. A 2020 second-round pick, Dillon averaged 59.8 yards from scrimmage per game and scored 16 total touchdowns in 49 contests over the last three campaigns.

Mixon has signed a three-year contract extension with the Texans, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Per Schefter, Mixon's reported deal with Houston -- which runs through 2026, according to Jonathan M. Alexander of the Houston Chronicle -- is for $27 million and includes $13 million guaranteed. The Bengals sent the 27-year-old to the Texans in exchange for a 2024 seventh-rounder, setting the stage for Mixon to take over as the lead back in his new locale, replacing Devin Singletary, who signed on with the Giants in free agency. Also in the mix for carries for Houston will be 2022 fourth-rounder Dameon Pierce, but the team's decision to extend Mixon clearly demonstrates confidence in the 2017 second-rounder, a context that should allow him to maintain steady weekly volume in 2024.

The Colts re-signed Sermon on Thursday, JJ Stankevitz of the team's official site reports.

In 14 games for the Colts during the 2023 regular season, Sermon rushed 35 times (including 17 carries in Week 15) for 160 yards to go along with three catches for 13 yards. With Zack Moss now with the Bengals, Sermon will have a chance to carve out a complementary role behind starter Jonathan Taylor in 2024, but chances are Indianapolis will add further backfield depth via free agency or the draft.

Tampa Bay re-signed Edmonds on Wednesday.

Edmonds returns to a Buccaneers team that trusted him with the No. 2 role behind lead back Rachaad White last season. Across 13 regular-season appearances in 2023, Edmonds rushed 49 times for 176 yards and secured 14 of 17 catches for 81 yards, all without a single touchdown. He could be primed for a similar role in 2024, though Sean Tucker will be a candidate to carve out a larger workload Year 2, and Tampa Bay could still add to the backfield in free agency or April's draft.

Johnson is re-signing with Buffalo on a one-year contract, Joe Buscaglia of The Athletic reports.

The 2019 sixth-round pick played in 18 games for the Lions and 44 for the Jets before landing in Buffalo last year. Johnson then spent the first month and a half of the 2023 season on the practice squad, eventually getting a promotion after Damien Harris suffered a season-ending head/neck injury in mid-October. By the end of the year, Johnson had eclipsed Latavius Murray as the team's No. 2 RB, getting 15 carries and three targets for 80 total yards in two playoff games. He'll now stick in Buffalo, where James Cook and Darrynton Evans are the only other RBs under contract at the start of the 2024 league year.

Akers (Achilles) wasn't tendered by the Vikings, making him an unrestricted free agent, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.

Akers suffered the second Achilles tear of his career in November, so he could miss most or all of the 2024 season. Once healthy enough to resume his NFL career, the 2020 second-round draft pick of the Rams will be free to sign with any team that shows interest.