Well, it’s hard to believe it, but Brett Favre might not be a Packer anymore. After telling Packers Head Coach Mike McCarthy and other people close to him that he had an “itch” to play again, ESPN’s Chris Mortensen reported that the NFL’s all-time leader in career touchdown passes and passing yards sent a letter to the Green Bay Packers asking for his unconditional release.
While it’s hard to imagine the Packers letting the legend walk, it shouldn’t be a big shock. In this year’s draft, the team drafted both Brian Brohm from Louisville and Matt Flynn from LSU. Drafting two quarterbacks while having Aaron Rodgers waiting in the wings should be a clear indication you are ready to move on.
Places that would suit Favre are small since he is 38 years-old, but there are teams that might make a push. One that comes to mind is the Minnesota Vikings, who have a good defense and running game that would fit an aging Favre and possibly give him another ring. Sure, they have been letting Tarvaris Jackson take his bumps and bruises, but Favre could get them to the Super Bowl sooner rather than later.
Also, the Buccaneers could be in the race for him as well. The team has a solid defense and good running game to contend in the NFC. Favre would also reunite with Jon Gruden, who was an assistant offensive coordinator and wide receiver’s coach during his tenure in Green Bay. Granted, they have a pool of quarterbacks including Pro-Bowler Jeff Garcia. But, Favre’s gunslinger mentality just might trump Garcia’s management skills.
The Chicago Bears and Washington Redskins names have come up as well, but they seem unlikely. The Bears seem to be sold on either Rex Grossman or Kyle Orton leading their offense while the Redskins are planning on letting Jason Campbell continue his grooming as an NFL quarterback. Not to mention, they are also well over the cap.
Stay tuned! It should be fun to see where Brett Favre is playing next season.
