The NFL doesn't think it's necessary to reopen settlement talks with Tom Brady and the NFL Players Association regarding the quarterback's four-game suspension, according to a source.

The league doesn't believe the NFLPA or anyone from Brady's camp has provided a reason to renew settlement discussions after the suspension was upheld by a federal appeals court this week.

The two sides engaged in talks for several months last summer in an attempt to reach a settlement in Brady's appeal of the suspension for his involvement in the Deflategate scandal.

Roger Goodell, speaking to reporters Wednesday in Chicago on the eve of the NFL draft, said the league would like to move forward.

"I think the most important thing from the ruling is that the judgment that the district court made last summer was incorrect. They obviously reversed that," Goodell said. "They reinforced our authority here, and they reinforced the fact that we have the facts correct, that it was a fair process and that we came to the conclusion that they supported. From our standpoint, we think that's the right decision and frankly should have been the decision last time."

A federal appeals court has ruled that Tom Brady must serve a four-game Deflategate suspension imposed by the NFL, overturning a lower judge and siding with the league in a battle with the players union.

"We hold that the Commissioner properly exercised his broad discretion under the collective bargaining agreement and that his procedural rulings were properly grounded in that agreement and did not deprive Brady of fundamental fairness," the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled Monday in New York.

The decision by a three-judge panel may end the legal debate over the scandal that led to months of football fans arguing over air pressure and the reputation of one of the league's top teams. It is also likely to fuel a fresh round of debate over what role, if any, the quarterback and top NFL star played in using underinflated footballs in the AFC Championship Game in January 2015.

Ron Brace, a second-round draft choice of the New England Patriots in 2009, has died at the age of 29.

Brace's death was confirmed by the Springfield (Massachusetts) Police Department. An investigation into the defensive lineman's death is ongoing.

The cause of death is not suspicious.

"We were deeply saddened to hear the news this morning of Ron Brace's death," the Patriots said in a statement.

"Seven years ago tomorrow, we drafted Ron after his standout career at Boston College. During his Patriots career, the Springfield native was always eager to volunteer and give back in our communities, especially when those community initiatives were held in Western Mass. It is difficult to believe that someone so young and in the prime of his life is no longer with us. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Ron's family, friends and the many former teammates who will mourn Ron's passing."

Rob Gronkowski is not concerned about his contract status.

The New England Patriots exercised their option on Gronkowski, keeping him underpaid relative to his production.

Gronkowski is set to make a $2.25 million base salary this season, which escalates to $4.25 million in 2017, $8 million in 2018 and $9 million in 2019.

Gronkowski's tweet last month saying the option "basically equals pay cut" was viewed as part humor and part discontentment.

"No, that's not on my mind at all," he told USA Today's For The Win, when asked if he had any contract concerns. "I started offseason workouts yesterday. It just feels great to be back with the team working out, getting back in football shape and getting prepared for the season."

The New England Patriots have released Dominique Easley.

Easley battled injuries, playing in only 22 games over two seasons and he also had off the field issues.

Easley tore his ACL in both knees in college and ended his rookie season with a knee injury. He tore his quadriceps in 2015.

Easley was the 29th overall pick in 2014 out of Florida.

LeGarrette Blount has re-signed with the New England Patriots.

Blount finished with a team-high 703 yards on 165 carries with six touchdowns before suffering a season-ending hip injury Dec. 13.

Blount's career has twice been revived with New England. 

The New England Patriots have signed Patrick Chung to a one-year extension.

The deal is worth $5.7 million in new money over the next three seasons.

After a mediocre first five seasons to his career, Chung has quickly turned it around the past two seasons in New England. Chung has since been one of the NFL's best safeties.