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Falcons release Vick, making him free agent

The Falcons released suspended quarterback Michael Vick yesterday, which makes him eligible to immediately sign with a team even though he has not been reinstated by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell.

The league had no comment on Vick's release.

Goodell has said he will sit down with Vick after the quarterback completes his 23-month sentence on July 20 for running a dogfighting ring. Vick is making $10 an hour as a construction worker for W.M. Jordan Co. while he serves the final two months of his sentence on home confinement in Hampton, Va. He was released from federal prison in Kansas on May 20.

Broncos. Wide receiver Brandon Marshall, who is not happy with his contract, was a no-show at a mandatory minicamp. He has one year remaining on his rookie contract, with a $2.198 million base salary.

Marshall had hip surgery on April 1 and missed part of the Broncos' offseason passing camp. Because of the surgery, Marshall wasn't expected to work out during the minicamp, but team officials said he was required to attend meetings and work with medical personnel.

Redskins. Wide receiver James Thrash was released by the Washington Redskins after failing a physical. Thrash, 34, has been unable to practice during the offseason because of a neck injury.

His best year as a pass-catcher came in 2001, when he caught 63 passes for 833 yards and eight touchdowns for the Eagles.

Rams. Former Pro Bowl quarterback Trent Green has decided to retire, according to a FoxSports report. Green, who began his career with San Diego in 1993, was released by St. Louis in February and opted to retire after 15 NFL seasons. Green, 38, earned a Super Bowl ring with the Rams in 2000.

Steelers. Pittsburgh signed one of its three third-round draft choices when cornerback Keenan Lewis of Oregon State agreed to terms. The team also signed a pair of fifth-round picks in defensive back Joe Burnett of Central Florida and running back Frank Summers of UNLV.

The team released former Eagle punter Dirk Johnson, who signed May 1 after Daniel Sepulveda underwent knee surgery for the second time within a year.

Burris moved back. Former New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress had his weapons case adjourned until September. Burress shot himself in the thigh on Nov. 29 in a Manhattan nightclub. He was charged with criminal possession of a weapon and faces up to 31/2 years in prison. Burress has pleaded not guilty and is free on $100,000 bail. He became a free agent after the Giants released him on April 3.

NFL: Falcons release Vick, making him free agent | Philadelphia Inquirer | 06/13/2009