Mark Sanchez wanted no contract squabbles or training camp headaches.

The New York Jets' rookie quarterback got his big deal — and a huge sense of relief — before minicamp was even completed, signing a five-year deal yesterday that could be worth up to $60 million, including $28 million guaranteed.

"It sends the right message," Sanchez said. "It's not in my makeup to hold out like that. That would've just been terrible for me. This just eliminates that whole factor. I'll be there Day 1, ready to go and compete. It's going to be a good time and a competitive time."

Agent David Dunn said the deal is worth "around the $50 million mark," but could reach as high as $60 million with incentives. That would make it the richest rookie deal ever given out by the Jets.

"This is just the beginning," said Sanchez, the No. 5 overall pick. "I'll be working every day to justify this contract."

Detroit gave quarterback Matthew Stafford, the No. 1 overall pick and the only other first-rounder to sign, a six-year contract worth up to $78 million, with $41.7 million in guarantees. While Sanchez's deal falls short of that, Dunn said doing the contract for five years instead of the usual six for top picks satisfied both sides.

"I think from the Jets' standpoint, there's probably a little bit less money at risk," Dunn said. "And from our standpoint, I think $28 million in guaranteed money will tide him over fine for a while. And, obviously, he reaches free agency a year sooner."

Sanchez led USC to a Rose Bowl victory over Penn State in his final college game. He's competing with Kellen Clemens for the Jets' starting job, up for grabs after the retirement of Brett Favre.

VICK SITUATION

EX-COACH: TROUBLED PLAYER HAS PAID DEBT

Seahawks coach Jim Mora says Michael Vick deserves to be reinstated to the NFL, though that second chance apparently wouldn't come in Seattle.

Mora, who coached Vick when he was Atlanta's quarterback, said yesterday during the Seahawks' mandatory minicamp: "I believe he's paid his debt to society."

But Mora said Seattle won't be adding any quarterbacks.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has not committed to reinstating Vick after he completes his 23-month sentence July 20 for running a dogfighting ring.

Though Vick is still under contract with Atlanta, the Falcons have said he will not be playing for them again.

Mora was asked if he would welcome Vick to the Seahawks, who have three-time Pro Bowl passer Matt Hasselbeck plus veteran backup Seneca Wallace and rookie Mike Teel.

"You know what? It's a sticky situation, one I'm not comfortable talking about," Mora said. "The fact of the matter is, Michael Vick is a member of the Atlanta Falcons' organization right now. For me to be speaking on him would be speaking out of turn. I'll just say this for the record: We are very happy with the quarterbacks we have on our roster. We have no intentions of adding another player to our roster at this time."

VIKINGS

COACH SAYS FAVRE DIDN'T HAVE DEADLINE

Minnesota never told Brett Favre to make up his mind by this week if he wants to play, according to coach Brad Childress.

In fact, Childress said yesterday, the team has no timetable for Favre to decide about coming out of retirement again to quarterback the Vikings.

Childress called into local radio station KFAN and refuted an ESPN report that he had mandated Favre determine his status for the 2009 season this week. Asked if there was a deadline, Childress said "absolutely not" — unless it came from Favre's wife, Deanna, or "somebody like that."

Childress added: "Certainly not from me. Not even close. Don't know where that would've dropped out of the sky from."

ELSEWHERE

Steelers: Pittsburgh prosecutors have dropped a misdemeanor drug charge wide receiver and Super Bowl MVP Santonio Holmes.

Pittsburgh police say they found three marijuana-filled cigars in Holmes' car when he was pulled over Oct. 23.

They pulled Holmes over because they were looking for a car similar to the one he was driving. Holmes alerted police to the drugs.