I used to like Brett Favre a lot. But, the last few seasons, he's held that team hostage by his retiring/not retiring/may come back. It's not fair to the fans, it's not fair to the team and it's DEFINITELY NOT fair to Aaron Rodgers and his development. Here's Mike Florio's take:
http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=430482There's a very interesting potential twist to the latest round of Brett Favre reports and rumors. Based on an item from Jason Wilde of the Wisconsin State Journal, it's possible that Favre already has asked to return to the Green Bay Packers, that the Packers have politely declined, that Favre has asked the team to release him, and that the Packers have refused.
So if Favre wants to return to the team and the team refuses, can the team also refuse to allow him to become a free agent?
The answer is no, if Favre is willing to take the steps necessary to provoke a showdown. Basically, he'd need to show up for training camp, which would force the team to let him practice or let him go.
The Packers can't have it both ways. Steve McNair forced the issue two years ago when the Tennessee Titans didn't want him but also didn't want to trade him for what the Baltimore Ravens were offering. So if Favre wants back in, the Packers have to take him back or let him leave.
And if Favre is on the opening-day roster, his $12 million base salary for 2008 will be fully guaranteed. Likewise, if a key part on his 38-year-old body were to snap, shatter or shred during training camp or the preseason, Favre would get the full amount while on injured reserve.
The other option would be for the Packers to trade Favre. Since few, if any, teams would be willing to tie up $12 million in 2008 cap dollars for Favre, he likely would need to agree to an extension that converts a big chunk of his salary to a signing bonus and spreads the cap charge over multiple years. He also might have to take a pay cut if he wants to play elsewhere.
The notion of Favre wearing anything other than a Packers uniform is as unthinkable as Santa Claus sliding down the chimney in only a Speedo. Still, if he truly has the itch, if he intends to scratch it, and if the Packers prefer to begin the post-Favre era now, there are a few other places where he might fit.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Bucs have never met a veteran quarterback they weren't interested in signing. They run the West Coast offense, the only offense Favre has ever known at the pro level. And they have the cap room.
Seattle Seahawks. Favre would be reunited with former Packers coach Mike Holmgren, but Matt Hasselbeck is entrenched as the starter.
Minnesota Vikings. Arguably the best fit for Favre. West Coast offense? Check. Cap room? Check. Substandard incumbent starting quarterback? Check. And this year's Vikings-Packers opener at Lambeau Field would be one of the most compelling NFL regular-season games of all time.
Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles also run the West Coast attack, but Favre would be stuck behind Donovan McNabb.
Miami Dolphins. The Dolphins don't run the West Coast offense, but they could surely whip something up that Favre would recognize.
The other variable here is injury. For the same reasons that many believe that Favre might rejoin the Packers if Aaron Rodgers goes down, a season-ending injury to someone like McNabb or Hasselbeck or Drew Brees of the New Orleans Saints or Tom Brady of the New England Patriots or any other starting quarterback could expedite a temporary return by Favre.
For now, the reality is that the Packers can't tie Favre's hands. If they don't want him, they need to let him play for someone else. And if he really wants to play football for at least another year, he might be inclined to take whatever he can get.
