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 un-retire.

"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 NFL offseason into a one-story league. 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.

Vikings coach Brad Childress called the situation a "soap opera," and said that it has been interesting to watch but he remained committed to going forward with Tavaris Jackson as his starting quarterback.

ELSEWHERE

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 yesterday that Jurevicius will probably start the season on the physically unable to perform list. If he does, Jurevicius would miss at least the first six weeks of the season.

Jaguars: Cornerback Trae Williams, a fifth-round draft pick out of South Florida, signed a four-year contract yesterday, leaving Jacksonville with two rookies left unsigned before training camp. With Williams under contract, the Jaguars can focus their attention on getting first-rounder Derrick Harvey and second-rounder Quentin Groves signed before training camp begins July 25.

Panthers: Carolina signed two more draft choices yesterday, reaching deals with linebacker Dan Connor and defensive end Hilee Taylor. Carolina has signed five of its nine draft picks. Still unsigned are first-rounders Jonathan Stewart and Jeff Otah, third-round choice Charles Godfrey, and seventh-round pick Geoff Schwartz.

Patriots: New England signed fourth-round draft pick Jonathan Wilhite, a cornerback from Auburn. Terms of the deal were not released. New England drafted the 24-year-old as a potential replacement for departing defensive back Asante Samuel or Randall Gay.

Redskins: Washington assistant coach Don Breaux retired yesterday because of a heart condition after 27 NFL seasons. Breaux spent 17 seasons with Washington and was part of three Super Bowl championship teams. Breaux is leaving just before the start of training camp, which opens Sunday. He worked for head coach Joe Gibbs as running backs coach from 1981-93, and as offensive coordinator from 2004-07.