The Seahawks inked running back Christine Michael to a contract earlier today, his second stint with the organization. The former second-rounder was traded prior to the season, and with all of the injuries in Seattle’s backfield, he’s hoping his second chance ends better than his first.

“I’m just here to work and give you guys all I have,” he told reporters, including Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times. “That’s all I can do. All I want to do. And I told them just like that.’’

Let’s take a look at some more notes from around the NFC…

• Alshon Jeffery ranked number two in the first installment of our 2016 free agent power rankings, but he’s not the only important Bears player on an expiring deal. Jeff Dickerson of ESPN.com takes a look at four more to go along with Jeffery.
• After re-signing with the Vikings, defensive end Justin Trattou admitted that he got an offer from another team during his brief time as a free agent, but turned it down because he wanted to remain in Minnesota. “I really didn’t want to go anywhere else,” Trattou said, according to Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press. “I’m happy where I’m at.”
• While Panthers cornerback Josh Norman is considered one of the top free-agents-to-be at any position for 2016, there are plenty of other corners who should be in line for nice deals, including Sean Smith of the Chiefs and Janoris Jenkins of the Rams. Jason Fitzgerald of Over the Cap takes a closer look at the cornerback market.
• Former sports agent (and current writer for CBSSports.com) Joel Corry examined what Washington quarterback Kirk Cousins‘ next contract will look like. Corry wonders if Cousins could receive a deal similar to the two-year, $24.5MM (worth up to $38MM) extension between the Rams and Nick Foles.

Ben Levine contributed to this post.

Broken foot

After surprisingly participating in practice Friday, Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman, who broke his foot in November, practiced in pads Wednesday. According to WEEI.com, it’s his first time practicing in pads since his injury. Meanwhile, The Boston Globe reported that Edelman ran without limping. Edelman’s initial timetable to return was projected to be six-to-eight weeks. It’s been a little more than four weeks since he suffered the initial injury. While his return to practice might not mean he’s ahead of schedule, it certainly isn’t bad news. (CBSSports.com)

Nerdy Football Analysis: The Patriots have no reason to rush one of Tom Brady’s favorite targets back onto the field now that the team has clinched a division title. It looks like New England will have Julian Edelman back for their post-season while fantasy owners can only cross their fingers and keep him stashed on the bench as the year plays out.

The Saints running backs corps took another hit last week when the team lost Marcus Murphy for the season. To take his place, the team has signed running back Kendall Hunter, reports Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (via Twitter). The team has also added fullback Toben Opurum from the practice squad (via Evan Woodbery of NOLA.com) while placing Murphy and cornerback Damian Swann on the IR (via Mike Triplett of ESPN.com).

Hunter, a former fourth-round pick, has a solid first three seasons in the league backing up Frank Gore on the 49ers. The Oklahoma State product compiled 262 carries for 1,202 yards and seven touchdowns, as well as another 27 catches for 268 yards. Despite missing the 2014 season with a torn ACL, Hunter still earned a contract extension from San Francisco. However, the running back was waived less than a year later, and he’s yet to find a job since. The Jaguars, Seahawks, Patriots, and Jets had previously brought the 27-year-old in for an audition.

Murphy had established himself as a dependable return man this season, returning 28 punts for 261 yards and a score and 12 kickoffs for 300 yards. Swann, meanwhile, had 22 tackles in seven games with the Saints this season.

Opurum, an undrafted free agent in 2013, made his NFL debut earlier this season with New Orleans.

The Patriots made a pair of moves today to help improve their depleted receiver and offensive line depth. Ian Rapoport of NFL.com reports (via Twitter) that the team has claimed wide receiver Leonard Hankerson and offensive lineman LaAdrian Waddle off waivers. To make room on the roster, the team placed running back LeGarrette Blount on the IR and released wideout Damaris Johnson (via Mike Reiss of ESPNBoston.com).

Hankerson, a five-year veteran, was released from the Falcons injured reserve list yesterday. The 26-year-old had compiled 26 catches for 327 yards and three touchdowns this season before getting shutdown with a hamstring injury. As Nerdy Football’s Luke Adams pointed out, the release from the IR was a likely indication that Hankerson should be healthy going forward. The former third-rounder is set to become a free agent at the end of the season.

Waddle, a former undrafted free agent, was cut by the Lions yesterday after playing two-plus seasons with the team. The 24-year-old started 24 of his 30 career games, but as our own Zach Links noted, he’s battled injuries over the past two seasons, including a torn ACL in 2014. Waddle will be a free agent following this season.

Johnson made his lone 2015 appearance in Week 13 against the Eagles, when he hauled in one catch for six yards.

WEDNESDAY, 4:15pm: The Patriots have officially placed Blount on the Injured Reserve, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (via Twitter).

TUESDAY, 5:45pm: Awful news for the Patriots as the club will be forced to place LeGarrette Blount on IR, according to a report from WEEI. The powerful tailback suffered a hip injury on Sunday night against the Texans. Blount finishes out the season with 703 yards and six touchdowns off of 165 carries.

As it stands, the Pats have only James White and Brandon Bolden on their active roster at running back. However, Trey Williams is on the practice squad along with Montee Ball, who was signed on Tuesday, so it’s not guaranteed that they will sign an RB for the 53-man roster. At the very least, however, one would expect them to sign a tailback for the taxi squad if they promote Williams or Ball.

Of course, this hasn’t been the best day for New England. Earlier this afternoon we learned that defensive tackle Dominique Easley would be placed on IR, ending his season. Now, the team has major holes to fill on both sides of the football.