NFL PLAYER NEWS
Alexander Mattison signs contract with Raiders
The Las Vegas Raiders have signed free agent running back Alexander Mattison to a contract for the 2024 season.
Mattison was expected to handle lead back duties for the Minnesota Vikings in 2023 after the team parted ways with longtime starter Dalvin Cook, but struggled to get into a rhythm before eventually losing work to Ty Chandler. The Athletic's Vic Tafur believes the Raiders have signed Mattison to back up Zamir White, rather than to compete for starting reps with the third-year back.
Mattison's 2023 was an error-filled one -- the back committed 7 drops on just 44 targets and lost 3 fumbles -- but he had shown flashes of solid play in previous years. Hopefully the change in scenery helps him bounce back in 2024.
Patriots ink K.J. Osborn to 1-year deal
The New England Patriots signed free agent wide receiver K.J. Osborn to a 1-year, $4 million contract.
Osborn operated as the Vikings' WR2/3 in each of the last three seasons, averaging 52.7 catches, 615 yards, and 5 touchdowns per season behind Justin Jefferson. The former fifth round pick could become more involved in the Patriots' offense in 2024 given their lack of production at the position in recent years.
Osborn had an opportunity to step up after Jefferson suffered a hamstring injury in 2023, but that opportunity dried up after quarterback Kirk Cousins suffered a season-ending injury. In three games with Cousins but without Jefferson (while still competing with T.J. Hockenson and rookie first rounder Jordan Addison) he averaged 5.7 catches for 64.7 yards per game.
Steelers' Russell Wilson expected to be Week 1 starter; Justin Fields to operate as backup
The Pittsburgh Steelers "made clear" to Russell Wilson that he will be the team's starter in 2024, despite the recent addition of Justin Fields reports CBS Sports' Aditi Kinkhabwala.
Wilson should get every opportunity to become Pittsburgh's Week 1 starter this offseason after signing with the team in free agency. The team acquired Fields via trade with the Chicago Bears, but only at the cost of a sixth round pick that could become a fourth round pick depending on his playing time. Fields could still push Wilson, but it seems clear that the Steelers have their priorities set on Wilson becoming the starter.
Wilson's recent seasons in Denver did not go to plan, but we still saw him lead a competitive offense as recently as 2021. The Steelers have a strong running back duo in Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren as well as potential WR1 in George Pickens, giving Wilson better weaponry to start with than he experienced in his two seasons with the Broncos.
Steelers acquire quarterback Justin Fields in deal with Bears
The Pittsburgh Steelers have acquired quarterback Justin Fields on Saturday for a 2025 sixth rounder pick that could upgrade to a fourth rounder if he logs 51% of their plays this season.
Pittsburgh continues their movement in their quarterback room with their third transaction to address the position. Expect Fields to compete with Russell Wilson for the Steelers' number one job in a potential run heavy offense under coordinator Arthur Smith while the Bears will likely draft Caleb Williams as the new leader of their franchise.
On 370 pass attempts last season, Fields ranks 21st among quarterback with a 74.6 Pro Football Focus rating while producing 227 completions for 16 touchdowns and 2,562 yards.
Steelers sign Van Jefferson to 1-year deal
Former Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Van Jefferson signed a one-year deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers on Friday.
Jefferson, who spent part of last season in Atlanta after starting his career on the Los Angeles Rams, has agreed to a one-year deal with the Steelers.
In 17 games last season, Jefferson caught 20 of 43 targets for 209 yards.
Rams sign Jimmy Garoppolo to 1-year deal
Former Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo agreed to a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Rams on Friday.
Garoppolo, who was released by the Raiders earlier in the week, has agreed to a one-year deal with the Rams. He will back up Los Angeles' starter, Matthew Stafford.
In 7 games for the Raiders last season, Garoppolo completed 110 of 169 passes for 1,205 yards, 7 touchdowns, and 9 interceptions.