The NFL and the NFL Players Association have come to terms on an updated Performance Enhancing Substance policy. Key changes include immediate HGH testing, a new appeal policy, and new reactions to stimulants during the off-season. You can read the changes here.
The change of note should be the following:
Players who test positive for banned stimulants in the off-season will no longer be suspended. Instead, the player will be referred to the substance abuse program. Players who test positive for banned stimulants during the season will continue to be suspended without pay for four games.
This means that if a player is found with a banned stimulant during the off-season, they won't be suspended (a la Wes Welker). If they still partake during the regular season, the four game suspesion will be upheld.
This will not affect the Patriots as both Brandon Browner and Brian Tyms were both suspended for offenses prior to the 2014 league year; their suspensions should not be lifted.