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The rejection notices for Michael Vick came from Lovie Smith, Jeff Fisher and Tom Cable on Thursday.

But Patriots coach Bill Belichick isn't saying whether his team is interested in the quarterback.

As the Chicago Bears began training camp, Smith said Vick deserves another opportunity in the NFL. The coach just doesn't see it happening with the Bears even though they lack an experienced backup.

The former Atlanta Falcons star, who served 18 months for running a dogfighting ring, said Thursday he is getting close to signing with a pro football team. Vick was conditionally reinstated Monday by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell.

"I think Mike deserves a second chance, like everyone in society who has paid their debt to society," Smith said. "He deserves a second chance. As far as we're concerned, we like this team that we have right now."

The Titans, coming off the best record in the 2008 season, also like what they have.

"I'm pleased with our quarterback situation," Fisher said.

Cable's Raiders have JaMarcus Russell, the first pick in the 2007 draft, and veteran Jeff Garcia.

"We like who we have, so let's move forward," Oakland's coach said.

Brady participates fully in training camp: The only problems that got Tom Brady off the field were thunder and lightning.

The Patriots quarterback even kept playing through a torrential downpour Thursday, leading the offense through its paces.

"Throughout the monsoon,
or whatever you want to call it," wide receiver Greg Lewis said, "he was fired up: 'Let's get up to the huddle, break the huddle, let's get out there and get this thing right.' "

Brady was back on the first day of New England's training camp, taking snaps just as he did before he was knocked off the field for the 2008 season by a left knee injury in the first quarter of the opener.

Rams sign second overall draft pick: The St. Louis Rams on Thursday signed offensive tackle Jason Smith, the second overall pick of the draft, a day before opening training camp.

The 6-foot-5, 306-pound Smith is expected to be an immediate starter for the Rams, 2-14 last season and with only five wins over the last two seasons. Terms of the contract were not disclosed.

Smith denies Cutler-Urlacher rift: New Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler and star linebacker Brian Urlacher shot down reports of a rift, saying they're simply not true.

"There's nothing between us," Cutler said Thursday, when he reported to training camp. "I just want to put that to rest. There never has been anything between us."

Urlacher added: "I never said what I was quoted as saying and that's it. I have a lot of respect for Jay. I think Jay knows that."

Former Bears receiver Bobby Wade caused a stir when he told Minneapolis radio station KFAN-AM that Urlacher used a profanity while questioning Cutler's manhood during a conversation in Las Vegas last weekend. Wade, who now plays for the Vikings, said Urlacher used a profane version of the word "wimp" during the interview that had to be edited out.

Raiders sign top pick: Rookie receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey agreed with the Oakland Raiders on a five-year contract Thursday that will guarantee him at least $23.5 million.

Packers sign first-round draft pick: The Green Bay Packers have signed first-round draft pick Clay Matthews III, leaving only fellow first-rounder B.J. Raji unsigned with the Packers poised to report to training camp on Friday.

Terms were not disclosed.
By Associated Press
Published: 7/31/2009 2:27 AM
Last Modified: 7/31/2009 5:32 AM

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