Aaron Hernandez has been arrested and charged in the murder of Odin Lloyd.

The New England Patriots subsequently released Hernandez.

The Patriots extended their sympathies to Lloyd's family in the statement announcing Hernandez's release from the team.

"A young man was murdered last week and we extend our sympathies to the family and friends who mourn his loss," the Patriots' statement said. "Words cannot express the disappointment we feel knowing that one of our players was arrested as a result of this investigation. We realize that law enforcement investigations into this matter are ongoing. We support their efforts and respect the process. At this time, we believe this transaction is simply the right thing to do."

Hernandez signed a five-year, $40 million extension with the Patriots last August.

The Minnesota Vikings have signed Desmond Bishop to a one-year contract.

Bishop is a former linebacker with the Green Bay Packers.

The Vikings have signed many former Packers in recent seasons, from Brett Favre and Ryan Longwell to Greg Jennings this offseason.

Bishop turns 29 next month.

The Detroit Lions have signed Chris Hope and waived Brian Robiskie.

Hope is a 32-year-old safety that was with the Atlanta Falcons last season. Hope was a Pro Bowl selection in 2008 while with Jim Schwartz and the Tennessee Titans.

Robiskie caught four passes for 44 yards last season.

Shaun Phillips turned down more money from a rival team in order to play for the Denver Broncos.

"That's why I came here, to be in this situation, to be with a team that is right there in the mix," Phillips said. "I want a chance at the whole thing, and that means you're with a team that believes it, and you're with a team that will do the work.

"This team will put in the work. A lot of teams say they're good, but the ones that really go after it, that's what you want to be around, that's what you want to be about."

Jeremy Maclin is entering the final season of his rookie deal and contract talks have been begun with the Philadelphia Eagles, but haven't advanced far.

"This is a big year for me personally with my contract coming up and everything," Maclin said, via Phillymag.com's Birds 24/7 blog. "So I'm just looking forward to it. ... I think that I can only get better. So I think it'll be good for me to go out there and just play ball and let everything else take care of itself."

Maclin has 258 receptions for 2,453 yards and 26 touchdowns over his first four seasons.

"This is the team and organization that drafted me," Maclin said. "I don't want to leave."

The New York Giants are considering signing Vonta Leach.

Leach was released two weeks ago by the Baltimore Ravens and was close to signing with the Miami Dolphins.

Fullback Henry Hynoski is still recovering from knee surgery and may not be ready for the beginning of the season.

The Giants would have to sign Leach to a contract with a low first-year cap number, meaning a multi-year deal would be necessary.

Josh Freeman is in the final season of his rookie deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and his future with the team will be determined by how he performs in 2013.

Freeman is scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent in March, though they could reach use their franchise tag on him.

"I'm excited about getting this year going," said Freeman. "It has nothing to do with...a contract year, finding out, oh, is he signed for this? What happened? I know God has got a plan for me, it's all going to work out in the end. If I just give it the best I've got regardless...if I give it the best I've got and the Buccaneers say, "Ah, we don't think he can play for us,' at the end of the year and every other team in the NFL does and I end up wherever I end up doing whatever, I'll be content because I'll know I gave it the best I had.''

Freeman isn't allowing the contract year to become a distraction.

"I get this question a lot and, yeah, I've got stuff weighing on my mind, but very little has to do with the contract year,'' Freeman said. "Yeah, it's a big year and professionally it's the biggest year I've had from that standpoint. But I'm telling you, when I play the best football, it's when I'm just relaxed and I'm being myself.

The Dallas Cowboys have released Anthony Hargrove.

Hargrove signed with the Cowboys one month ago.

Hargrove was suspended for the 2012 season for his role in the New Orleans Saints' bounty program.

“He just didn't have the old burst back," said a source with the Cowboys. “He's almost 30. It's not easy to start all over again.''

The New York Giants, Jacksonville Jaguars, Minnesota Vikings and Kansas City Chiefs are interested in signing Demond Bishop.

Bishop was released by the Green Bay Packers on Monday.

“The Giants and Jacksonville are the next two that are interested,’’ Bishop said on SiriusXM NFL Radio. “Actually, the Niners called but of course, you know, they’re kind of set over there. I appreciate their interest in me regardless. But the Giants, which is a real good situation, and Jacksonville as well.”

The New England Patriots finished signing their rookie class on Thursday by agreeing to terms with second round wide receiver Aaron Dobson.

Dobson played at Marshall.