USA DAWN: NEWS AND UPDATES

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- The details of running back Rex Burkhead's contract with the New England Patriots are in, and they reflect how the club views him as a key contributor in 2017. Per ESPN NFL Insider Field Yates, the pact has a maximum value of $3.15 million and breaks down like this: Signing bonus:  $1.1 million Base salary:  $1.8 million Roster bonus:  $250,000 ($15,625 per game) Salary-cap charge:  $3.15 million Burkhead's one-year deal gives him another shot at free agency next offseason. The thinking could be that with a more expanded role on offense in New England than he had in Cincinnati, his value could be higher on the market in 2018. To put this deal in context from the team's perspective, consider that the Patriots signed LeGarrette Blount last year to a one-year, $1 million contract in 2016. So Burkhead is obviously viewed as a key cog in 2017, both offensively and on special teams. Of the 63 playe...

Barcelona and Real Madrid renew their storied rivalry in a La Liga showdown with significant early stakes in the title race (10:15 a.m. ET, beIN Sports).  Real Madrid leads Barcelona by six points through 13 games, meaning a potential six-point swing is on the table at Camp Nou. Barcelona, featuring its star trident of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar, can pull back within three with a victory, which would snap a run of two straight draws for the club. Barcelona is set to welcome Andres Iniesta back from injury for the key game. Real Madrid, meanwhile, is without the injured Gareth Bale, but Cristiano Ronaldo & Co. can still seize a nine-point lead on its hated foe with an away win, an opportunity that doesn't present itself all that often. Real Madrid was denied an early penalty shout when Lucas Vazquez went down after a challenge by Javier Mascherano, though no foul or PK was called.  Follow beIN SPORTS USA   ✔ @...