Aaron Hernandez cleared waivers on Thursday and the NFL issued a statement about his future in the NFL.

“NFL clubs were advised today that if Aaron Hernandez enters into a player contract prior to the resolution of the charges pending against him, the contract will not be approved or take effect until Commissioner Roger Goodell holds a hearing. The purpose of the hearing would be to determine whether Hernandez should be suspended or face other action prior to the charges being resolved.”

The New England Patriots have waived their right to recoup bonus money or salary through the collective bargaining agreement that they previously gave Aaron Hernandez.

The Patriots waived Hernandez on Wednesday following his arrest for the murder of Odin Lloyd.

Hernandez signed a five-year, $40 million extension last August that included a $12.5 million signing bonus.

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."

Aaron Hernandez reportedly does not have a "failure to perform" or "failure to practice" clause in his contract, which could allow him to keep nearly $2.5 million of his deal should he be suspended or in jail due to the ongoing homicide investigation.

According to his amended contract, Hernandez is guaranteed a total of $16 million. Of that, $9.25 million in a signing bonus already has been paid, with the final $3.25 million due in March 2014.

Hernandez signed a five-year, $40 million extension with the Patriots in 2012.

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.

Luke Joeckel has signed his rookie contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Joeckel was the second overall pick in April's draft.

Joeckel receives a four-year, $21.2 million deal that is completely guaranateed.

The Jaguars hope Joeckel and Eugene Monroe give the offensive line an excellent tandem at tackle. Joeckel will begin his career at right tackle.