Aug 20, 2013 3 min read

Broncos linebacker Von Miller will serve a six-game suspension under the NFL’s substance-abuse policy, a violation the linebacker said did not result from a positive test.

The league wanted a longer penalty for the third-year linebacker, but the sides agreed to less than half the season, a person familiar with the negotiations between the linebacker and the NFL told the Associated Press.

The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity Tuesday because details about the negotiations were not public. According to the NFL, Miller is eligible to play and practice through the last two preseason games. His suspension, without pay, will begin Aug. 31. He can return to the team Oct. 14, the day after Denver’s home game against Jacksonville, and will be eligible for an Oct. 20 contest at the Indianapolis Colts.

After being notified of the decision, Miller released a statement saying “although my suspension doesn’t result from a positive test, there is no excuse for my violations of the rules.”

“I made mistakes and my suspension has hurt my team, Broncos fans, and myself,” he said. “I am especially sorry for the effect of my bad decisions on others.”

Browns void trade with Seattle: The Browns voided their trade with Seattle for guard John Moffitt because they had concerns about his health.

Down two guards because of injuries, the Browns acquired Moffitt on Monday from the Seahawks for defensive lineman Brian Sanford. Moffitt even took the practice field in uniform Tuesday before he was escorted off by Browns coach Rob Chudzinski.

With the deal nullified, the Browns retain their rights to Sanford.

In the meantime, Moffitt has been traded to Denver.

In other news, Brandon Weeden has been named the Browns’ starting quarterback.

Coach Rob Chudzinski announced his decision Monday, ending weeks of speculation about whether Weeden would start the season opener against Miami Sept. 8. Chudzinski said Weeden has earned the job with a strong offseason, training camp and preseason. Weeden started 15 games as a rookie last year, but Chudzinski and the Browns’ new coaching staff wanted to see improvement from the 29-year-old and they have.

Vick named starter for Eagles: Michael Vick took a pay cut and had to compete for his job when he returned to the Eagles. Part of the choice had to do with the up-tempo offense mapped out by new coach Chip Kelly.

“I just thought,” Vick said, “this was the best opportunity, the best fit for me.”

Turns out, Vick was the best fit for Kelly.

With his first chance to put his stamp on Philadelphia’s offense, Kelly named Vick the starting quarterback on Tuesday, giving the veteran the nod over Nick Foles after a sterling effort in the preseason.

“He’s our starter for the season,” Kelly said. “It’s not a one-game trial basis.”