MINNEAPOLIS -- The Minnesota Vikings took a different stance yesterday in what has become the story of the summer in the NFL: They decided not to talk about Brett Favre.

The Vikings said yesterday they would not comment on allegations by the Green Bay Packers that they made inappropriate contact with Favre before or during the three-time MVP's effort to unretire.

"The Vikings are not commenting on the issue. These types of matters are handled by the league," said a statement read by a team spokesman.

The Favre saga has overridden everything else going on in the NFL, turning the offseason into one story. Another chapter was added Wednesday night when a person familiar with the Packers' complaint told The Associated Press that Green Bay has filed tampering charges against the Vikings.

The person, who requested anonymity because of the sensitivity of the subject, said Packers officials believe Vikings offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell had discussions with Favre that would violate league rules. Presumably, such discussions would include the possibility of Favre leaving the Packers for their NFC North rivals in Minnesota.

"They feel like Favre had something [in place], and that's why he was so anxious to get his release all of a sudden," the person said.

Favre and Bevell are friends going back to Bevell's days as an assistant in Green Bay. Favre retired in March but has since said that he wants to return, which has led to a messy back-and-forth with Packers GM Ted Thompson.

Ravens reach terms with QB Flacco

OWINGS MILLS, Md. -- Joe Flacco won't face any delays in his bid to become the Baltimore Ravens starting quarterback.

Baltimore's top draft pick has agreed in principle to a five-year deal that could earn him up to $30 million and includes $8.75 million in guaranteed money. The agreement came late Wednesday night.

Drafted 18th overall out of Delaware, Flacco will compete for the starting job with Troy Smith and Kyle Boller. Rookies, quarterbacks and injured veterans are scheduled to report to training camp Monday at McDaniel College in Westminster.

Jurevicius to miss start of the season

CLEVELAND -- Cleveland Browns wide receiver Joe Jurevicius likely will miss the start of the regular season because of his recent knee surgery.

Browns General Manager Phil Savage told WTAM-AM that Jurevicius likely will start the season on the physically unable to perform list. Jurevicius would miss at least the first six weeks of the season.

Jurevicius, 33, had swelling and discomfort in his right knee related to a previous operation and needed another procedure in June. He had 50 catches for 614 yards and three touchdowns last season.

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