This whole "Brett Favre" thing is pretty interesting. You wouldn't be alone if you said that you had a feeling that Favre might be second-guessing his retirement decision once the new football season crept closer and closer. In fact, coming off of his best season in years, including an appearance in the NFC Championship game against the Giants, most people thought it was a bit peculiar that Favre would hang up the cleats now. But, we hear all the time that athletes hold on too long, and the retirement choice is often made for them when they are bouncing around from team to team, trying to prove to themselves and anyone else that they still have some gas left in the proverbial tank. But, as emotional and as heartfelt as the press conference appeared to be, maybe it truly was a case of Favre making a decision still in the heat of the moment....
Now, what do the Packers do? If you were in there shoes, how would you handle it? The bottom line is that if Favre wants back in the NFL, that's his prerogative. The Packers have to accept his cancellation of his retirement, but then do they keep him on the roster? Do they cut him? Do they trade him? There are no easy answers, and this is no ordinary run of the mill player looking to hang on. Let's look at the options....
The Packers keep him- There is NO WAY the Packers keep Favre on the roster unless they intend to start him. This may burn their bridge with Aaron Rodgers, who *could* one day be a great NFL QB. The problem is, we just don't know. And as overrated as Favre can be at times, (he still makes some silly mistakes, tries to do too much, and has a tendency to turn over the ball), I still feel like he gives the Pack the best chance to win it all this year. And it would be difficult to turn down a better chance to win it all on a year to year basis, right? It pushes back the Green Bay plan for the future, but other than hurting Aaron Rodgers's feelings, isn't trying to win it all now, especially in a wide open NFC, the best thing? I'd have to think so.
The Packers cut him- If Favre is not in their plan, and refuse to give him his starter spot back, they could do right by him in one way and release him so that he can continue his career and they can stick to their current plan of Rodgers at QB. But how would this go over with fans? Beyond Lombardi, Favre IS that franchise, and to let him go to another team, especially a team in their division, might not sit very well with the Cheeseheads. So, if the Packers are convinced he's not in their plans, maybe they....
Trade him- The Packers could arguably get "something" out of him if they decide he's not in their plans. After all, there are some crappy, crappy starting quarterbacks in the NFL. Wouldn't there seem to be a few teams that are looking to make a run at the playoffs with a quality QB in the fold? One problem is that the fans might not be crazy about seeing their idol lined up against the green and gold on Sundays. (As Peter King reports, how odd would it be to see Brett Favre running out of the tunnel on Monday Night for the Vikings as they open the season against the Packers?) In addition, the value they get might not be much for an aging quarterback who is forcing their hand. Other than late draft picks that don't often pan out, it wouldn't look like the Packers could get a whole lot out of a trade.
Another option that seems to be floating around is the notion that the Packers front office tries to convince Favre to stay retired. Ultimately, it's his decision, and they have no control over it. However, if they can "guilt" him into staying retired, they might be able to appease the masses and stick to their plan of action without having to make a difficult decision. Personally, I think that's where their brains are at right now. I can't imagine that they know how to best handle the situation, and they are quietly hoping it'll work itself out somehow without them having to make that choice. But if Favre does return, how do they handle it? Once again, how would you handle it?
Personally, if he comes back, I see GB ultimately trying to soothe Rodgers's ego while simultaneously giving Favre another shot as the starter for this season. What else could they do? He's brought them to a championship, and with his longetivity streak, he's come to be defined as that franchise. Could the Packers really turn their back on their franchise face who has proven that he can still play with the best of them? He may not be the best around now, but he's definitely one of the best ever. I guess time will tell.
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