There are a lot of lists out there keeping track of teams not interested in the services of Michael Vick. I am keeping one of my own. It includes teams with a lack of stability at quarterback that can’t afford to look past adding Vick for the sake of being politically correct.

The Patriots open training camp Thursday, and that means one thing: Tom Brady is officially back.

Nearly a year after surgery to repair his damaged left knee, Brady will get his first dose of full speed practices as he and the New England Patriots prepare for the season-opener at home against the Buffalo Bills.

Brett Favre may intend to remain retired, but where have we heard that before?

Get the latest news and notes from around the league, including an update on Bucs RB Cadillac Williams‘ condition heading into training camp and how the Broncos feel about disgruntled WR Brandon Marshall.

Defensive end Derrick Burgess and rookie wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey were absent as the Raiders opened training camp in Napa, Calif. Wednesday.

Burgess, a two-time Pro Bowler, has not taken part in any offseason activities and he reportedly continues to lobby for a trade. Heyward-Bey, the seventh-overall pick in April’s NFL Draft, has yet to sign a contract, though head coach Tom Cable expressed optimism that a deal would be reached soon.

Thomas Jones might have been one of the most productive running backs in fantasy football last season, but Michael Fabiano sees his value falling with the new-look Jets.

The Buffalo Bills have one of their two first-round draft picks under contract, with OL Eric Wood signing a five-year deal worth a maximum of nearly $13 million, according to a league source. The sides agreed to the financial parameters of the deal’s structure Tuesday night and finalized it Wednesday.

Rookie WR Michael Crabtree did not report to 49ers’ training camp along with the rest of the team’s rookies on Tuesday.

Crabtree’s agent, Eugene Parker, and the Niners are said not to be close to a deal. Despite the fact that Crabtree slid to the 10th pick of the NFL Draft, Parker is reportedly seeking a contract that would pay the receiver more than than the usual salary slot for a No. 10 pick.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell‘s move to conditionally reinstate Michael Vick was a Solomon-like decision that came short of splitting the baby. The parameters that allow Vick to return to the NFL speak to the concerns of everyone who cares.

Linebacker Rey Maualuga, a second-round draft pick by the Cincinnati Bengals, has agreed to a four-year deal, according to a source. Also Wednesday, the Vikings signed offensive tackle Phil Loadholt to a four-year deal.

The innovative defensive coach’s legacy will live on through his highly effective system and the many young coaches to whom he taught it.

Having quieted those in his circle who have urged him to continue playing despite physical fatigue and an aging arm, Brett Favre came to the realization that a half-tired arm does not grow stronger by season’s end.

When mere mortals are in the presence of greatness, they tell the Great One whatever is necessary to remain in his good graces. The Great One, Brett Favre, has finally listened to the most important voice of all — his own conscience.

Some people are drawing a line from Michael Vick to the Vikings, with him being allowed back into the NFL on a conditional basis Monday and Brett Favre saying goodbye (at least for now) to the league today. And there is some compelling circumstantial evidence.

Retired QB Brett Favre told NFL Network’s Steve Mariucci that he will continue to throw and work out, even after deciding to stay retired and not join the Vikings.