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...