NFL news: Around the league in 32 plays

The Dolphins have been cleared of tampering charges in regards to Ndamukong Suh, which is good news for the Chiefs being investigated for the same charge with Jeremy Maclin. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Miami Dolphins:  The Dolphins were cleared on tampering charges in regards to their negotiations with Ndamukong Suh this offseason. The legal tampering period in the NFL has opened the door to what appear to be flat-out negotiations taking place before they are supposed to. The Dolphins were one of many teams accused of this. The league’s decision in this case will prove promising for the rest of the league.

• Chiefs’ take:  The Chiefs are one of several other teams that were looked at for tampering. The case with Jeremy Maclin was similar to that of Suh with the Dolphins, so Miami getting cleared is a good sign for the Chiefs.

Minnesota Vikings:  Second-year undrafted free agent, Austin Wentworth, has been forced to retire due to a medical condition involving blood clots in his legs. While Wentworth is not a well-known name in the NFL, it is always disappointing to see a player career end from anything other than his performance on the field.

The punishment has come down from the NFL, but that is really only the beginning of the drama that is sure to come. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

New England Patriots: The NFL dropped the hammer on the Pats by suspending Tom Brady for four games. If the suspension holds, Brady will miss games against the Steelers, Bills, Jaguars and Cowboys. The Patriots will also forfeit their first-round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft and their fourth-round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, as well as pay a $1 million fine. The only silver lining here for the Patriots is that they will finally get a chance to see what Jimmy Garoppolo can do.

New York Giants:  Odell Beckham Jr. won the popular vote to be on the cover of the newest Madden game from EA Sports. There is always talk of the “Madden Curse”… but if it happened to the Giants, would anyone really notice?

Seattle Seahawks:  Outside linebacker, Bruce Irvin, made known his desire to play for the Atlanta Falcons next season. The Seahawks did not pick up the fifth-year option on Irvin’s contract, and there has been public friction between the player and team. This would seemingly be the nail in the coffin for Irvin’s days in Seattle.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers:  The Bucs claimed former Texans safety, DJ Swearinger, off waivers. Tampa Bay wasted little time submitting their waiver claim on the former second-round pick. Swearinger’s talents as a big hitter will not be wasted in Lovie Smith’s defense.

• Chiefs’ take: Swearinger would have been a good fit for the Chiefs as a solid depth chart player who could contribute on special teams.