Commissioner Roger Goodell is beginning to focus on evaluating Michael Vick?s future in the NFL, according to an Associated Press report. That doesn?t mean a decision will come any time before the 2009 regular season begins in September. Goodell said Thursday his decision on whether to reinstate the former Falcons quarterback, convicted on federal charges of running a dogfighting ring, will come ?in due time.?

The Falcons have signed sixth-round linebacker Spencer Adkins to a rookie contract. Adkins, who was drafted out of the University of Miami, becomes the fifth rookie to sign a deal with the team. First-round defensive tackle Peria Jerry remains unsigned, along with second-round safety William Moore and fourth-round defensive end Lawrence Sidbury.

Matt Ryan's teammates claim that the quarterback is making huge improvements. "By leaps and bounds," fullback Ovie Mughelli said. "It's actually scary how much he's improved and it's only his second year. People thought he couldn't get much better than last year. "In the weight room, what he's done out here, his arm strength, the way he reads plays, he's gotten better in every aspect."

The Falcons have signed veteran offensive lineman Jeremy Newberry. Newberry, a 12-year veteran, has made two Pro Bowls. He has played for the 49ers, Raiders and Chargers.

The release of quarterback Michael Vick will not come cheap for the Falcons. Due to the acceleration of future salary cap prorations, Atlanta will be charged more than $7 million in "dead money" against their 2009 salary cap. The club will have no further salary-cap ramifications for Vick beyond 2009.

Atlanta Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff said the team relinquished its contractual rights to Michael Vick on Friday. "Michael remains suspended by the NFL," Dimitroff said. "However, in the event NFL commissioner Roger Goodell decides to reinstate Michael, we feel his best opportunity to re-engage his football career would be at another club."

The Falcons have decided to release quarterback Michael Vick, a league source told ESPN.com. Atlanta had been looking to trade Vick's rights, but didn't receive much interest. Vick still isn't a lock to be reinstated by the NFL after serving time in jail on federal dog-fighting charges.

Offensive guard Tyson Clabo signed his restricted free agent contract with the Atlanta Falcons after being a 16-game starter for the first time in his career. Clabo was part of an offensive line that helped the Falcons finish second in the NFL with an average of 152.7 yards per game.

A gossip web site has published photos and a video of Michael Vick adjusting to life under house arrest. In the video, Vick talks with someone off-camera about prison and is seen interacting with his daughters. Vick spent 19 months in federal prison after his conviction for financing a dogfighting operation. The web site is RadarOnline.com.