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National Football
League roundup

[July 16, 2016] July 15 (The Sports Xchange) - New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady has decided to drop his legal fight versus the NFL involving his four-game suspension for his role in Deflategate.

Brady announced the news on Friday on his Facebook page.

"It has been a challenging 18 months and I have made the difficult decision to no longer proceed with the legal process. I'm going to work hard to be the best player I can be for the New England Patriots and I look forward to having the opportunity to return to the field this fall," he said.

Brady, who will miss the first four games of the upcoming season, made his decision on the heels of the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals denying his appeal to rehear his case.

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Denver Broncos outside linebacker and Super Bowl 50 MVP Von Miller became the NFL's highest-paid defensive player after agreeing to a six-year, $114.5 million deal.

A record $70 million is guaranteed in the contract, which came hours before the NFL's deadline for franchise players to sign long term deals. The sides came to the final numbers of the pact last month with only the guaranteed money serving as the sticking point.

Miller's guaranteed money is eclipsed by only that of Indianapolis quarterback Andrew Luck, who will receive $75 million in guarantees in his $140 million contract extension.

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Several other players receiving the franchise tag had their 2016 contract situation resolved.

Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker agreed to a long-term contract before the deadline. He will sign a four-year deal worth $16.8 million, with $10.8 million in guaranteed salary.

The New York Jets and defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson agreed to a five-year deal worth approximately $85 million.

The Kansas City Chiefs and Eric Berry failed to reach an agreement, so the safety will play the 2016 season under the franchise tag of $10.8 million.

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Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins will play the 2016 season under the franchise tag of $19.95 million next season and will be the first quarterback to play on the franchise tag since Drew Brees did so with the San Diego Chargers in 2005.

Chicago Bears wide receiver Alshon Jeffery will play this season under the franchise tag of $14,599,000.

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San Francisco 49ers linebacker Aaron Lynch was suspended without pay for the first four games of the regular season for violating the league's substance abuse policy, the team and league announced.

Lynch, 23, was an effective pass-rusher for the 49ers in 2015, which was his second season in the league. He played in 14 games last season, including 13 starts, and had 6.5 sacks.

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Buffalo Bills running back Karlos Williams received a four-game suspension from the NFL for violating the league's substance abuse policy.

Williams will be eligible to participate in offseason and preseason activities, but will miss the team's first four games of the upcoming season. The 23-year-old is eligible to return after Buffalo's contest versus the AFC East rival New England Patriots on Oct. 2. (Editing by Larry Fine)

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