THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. -- Brett Favre says he's retired, but Minnesota coach Brad Childress acknowledges it's likely the Vikings will at least assess their interest in the record-setting quarterback later in the off-season.

Childress declined on Friday to directly answer a question about whether he plans to speak to Favre soon. The coach said he has been too busy with the NFL draft and the team's rookie minicamp.

Favre asked for and received his release from the Jets earlier this week. The 39-year-old Favre left his future open with the disclaimer "at this time" in a statement affirming his retirement.

The Packers filed tampering charges against the Vikings last summer, alleging inappropriate contact with Favre while he was waffling again on his retirement. The league dismissed the case.

Asked whether the team discussed the possibility of pursuing Favre now that he's a free agent, Childress said no.

"We haven't. It doesn't mean we won't," Childress said. "We talk about everything, from what's going on in the United States on the front page today. ... So, yeah, I'm sure we'll talk about that."

After watching Favre's unretirement controversy and subsequent trade to the Jets become a major distraction in training camp last year, Green Bay Packers coach Mike McCarthy doesn't want to get sucked into another potential off-season saga this time around.

"If Brett wants to play football, he should play football," McCarthy said Friday. "And that's really my stance on it. I mean, if he still wants to play, he should take advantage of his opportunities."

McCarthy, who is leading the Packers' rookie orientation program this weekend, didn't want to comment on the Jets' decision to grant Favre his release -- earning a few laughs from reporters in the process.

"The what-ifs and the hypothetical stories, you know, I thought maybe you guys would give me a bye this year," McCarthy said. "I did such a good job last year."

For now, the Vikings are moving forward with Tarvaris Jackson, Sage Rosenfels and John David Booty at quarterback, a spot that has been unsettled since Childress took the job in 2006.

"I'm more focused on the guys that are here, participating in the off-season program," Childress said. "I'm more focused on our three quarterbacks right now -- Tarvaris and Sage and J.D. -- that are progressing through this program."