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National Football League roundup

[September 01, 2016] Aug 31 (The Sports Xchange) - The NFL has cleared Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison and Green Bay Packers linebackers Clay Matthews and Julius Peppers over an Al-Jazeera America documentary that linked them to performance-enhancing drugs.

The league announced Wednesday that it "found no credible evidence" the three players were provided with or used substances prohibited under the NFL-NFLPA Policy on Performance-Enhancing Substances following an investigation into the allegations.

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The Steelers and wide receiver Antonio Brown agreed on a restructured contract.

The deal advances $4 million of 2017 money into this year's $6.25 million base salary for a total of $10.25 million, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. The deal doesn't include any additional years but does include a $8.975 million signing bonus and a $1.275 million base salary.

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Quarterback Zach Mettenberger was claimed by the Steelers, one day removed from being waived by the San Diego Chargers.

Mettenberger figures to be the team's No. 3 quarterback behind Ben Roethlisberger and Landry Jones.

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Philadelphia has been chosen to host the 2017 NFL Draft, multiple media outlets reported.

The NFL is expected to make an official announcement on Thursday.

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The New England Patriots signed wide receiver and Pro Bowl special teams ace Matthew Slater to a one-year extension through 2017, according to reports.

Slater, 30, is a five-time Pro Bowl selection and three-time first-team All-Pro as a special teams player. He has made more than 120 tackles over his career.

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The Buffalo Bills signed free agent linebacker Ramon Humber after he was released by the Patriots.

The Bills also cut kicker Jordan Gay to make room on the roster.

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The New Orleans Saints agreed to a deal with the veteran outside linebacker Paul Kruger, according to reports.

The 30-year-old pass rusher was released Monday by the Cleveland Browns after three seasons.

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The Atlanta Falcons placed rookie wide receiver Devin Fuller on injured reserve and brought back fullback Will Ratelle.

Falcons coach Dan Quinn said Monday that Fuller may need surgery to repair a shoulder injury. Fuller injured his shoulder in the third preseason game against the Miami Dolphins.

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ESPN senior NFL analyst Chris Mortensen, who has been battling Stage IV throat cancer since January, is improving and expects to work this season.

Mortensen has been on a leave of absence the past few months, focusing on his treatment and recovery. (Editing by Frank Pingue)

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