BOSTON — Just one day after the NFL decided to allow its teams to make deals with lotteries, the New England Patriots became the first to announce a licensing agreement.

Other states said they were talking about sponsorships that could put NFL team logos on scratch-off tickets across the country.

The Patriots said yesterday they had a deal with the Massachusetts State Lottery on an instant ticket that is expected to be for sale by the start of the 2009 season.

"This is going to be a hugely successful collaboration," Patriots owner Robert Kraft said.

The Patriots aren't likely to be alone for long.

The Michigan Lottery is talking to the Detroit Lions, the Minnesota State Lottery is talking to the Vikings, and the Titans said they would consider a deal in Tennessee.

The San Diego Chargers and Cincinnati Bengals said they have no plans. But the New York Lottery is already talking to the Buffalo Bills — as well as the New Jersey-based Giants and Jets.

Even the nonprofit, community-owned Green Bay Packers are interested.

"We think there is potential in this new area and we'll be taking a look at the opportunity," said Laura Sankey, Packers senior vice president of marketing and sales. "As we do with all our potential partners, we'll want to strive to build and enhance both our businesses."

After decades of a strict no-gambling policy, the NFL's owners voted Wednesday to allow teams to sign licensing deals with state-sponsored lotteries that could bring the league new revenue in a weak economy. The NFL remains strongly opposed to betting on the outcome of games, but commissioner Roger Goodell said lottery deals could generate money for "many different public purposes."

ELSEWHERE

49ers: San Francisco signed 10-year veteran cornerback Dre' Bly to a one-year deal to fill the spot created by Walt Harris' knee injury. Bly, a two-time Pro Bowler, was released by Denver in a salary dump in February.

Giants: New York added depth to its offensive line with the signing of 10-year veteran Tutan Reyes. Reyes has started 37 of 53 regular-season games in a career that has included stops in New Orleans, Tampa Bay, Carolina, Buffalo and Jacksonville.

Vikings: Minnesota coach Brad Childress says Brett Favre "was worth a conversation," but insists the veteran quarterback remains retired — as far as he knows. He says the last time he spoke with Favre was on the phone several weeks ago.