 Here we go again.
We all knew Brett Favre's self-described "itch" to play football again would eventually return following his retirement. For the second time in two years, it appears he's ready to scratch.
There were simply too many signs that emerged last week pointing to a Favre comeback: Favre was granted his release request by the New York Jets rather than remaining on the team's reserve/retired list. He issued a statement claiming "nothing has changed" and "at this time, I am retired and have no intention of returning to football." So why ask for your release? Plus, with his history of retirement flip-flopping, the use of "at this time" is particularly intriguing. Minnesota — the team that Favre wanted to play for in 2008 — is open to the possibility of signing him. Vikings coach Brad Childress said the team would discuss the subject after last weekend's minicamp. Vikings owner Zigi Wilf, who months ago said his club would have no interest in signing Favre, instead issued a "no comment" about the topic Saturday when asked by the St. Paul Pioneer Press. The Minneapolis Star-Tribune reported that Favre has recently spoken with Vikings offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell, a good friend from their days together in Green Bay. The Pioneer Press reported that Favre has hired a personal trainer (tending to his farm apparently isn't providing enough manual labor). Profootballtalk.com reported an unidentified plane flew from Minneapolis to Favre's hometown of Hattiesburg, Miss. the day after his release. New Orleans safety Darren Sharper, a former Packers teammate, told the NFL's web site that he believes Favre will try to play another season "because he's such a competitor and he still loves football." |
The New York Daily News quoted an unnamed NFL source as saying, "Favre can't stand Green Bay. He wants to play Green Bay and say, 'I told you so.' His bitterness is creating this."So should Vikings brass give Favre the avenue to pursue that vendetta?
It's something they should strongly contemplate.
On paper, quarterback play is the only thing keeping the Vikings from a Super Bowl run. While I believe offseason acquisition Sage Rosenfels can solve Minnesota's issues under center, he obviously doesn't have the same cache as Favre.
The Vikings field the NFL's rushing leader (Adrian Peterson), a massive offensive line, and big-play wide receivers in Bernard Berrian and rookie Percy Harvin. The defense is rock-solid, too. Favre is comfortable playing in a West Coast-style offense and wouldn't have to carry the entire unit like he did at times in Green Bay.
The biggest consideration for Minnesota should be how much football Favre has left in his 39-year-old body. After a rocky start with the Jets, Favre hit his stride last November by completing almost 79 percent of his passes with four touchdowns and one interception in road victories at New England and Tennessee. Favre, though, was brutal in New York's final five games as the Jets missed the playoffs.
Favre was later diagnosed with a torn right biceps tendon. The injury could heal through rest, but doctors recommended Favre have surgery if he wanted to play again. It's unknown whether Favre has undergone any procedures to fix the problem or received a more optimistic second opinion.
One of the reasons Green Bay parted ways with Favre last year was the fear that he would break down late in the season when it mattered most. The Vikings should have the same concern, especially with Favre turning 40 in October.
There are other questions as well. How will the reclusive Favre be embraced by his new teammates? Would he be willing to participate in the offseason workout program and/or minicamps? And considering Favre won't play for free Wrangler jeans, is it really worth a one-year gamble that would likely cost the Vikings lots of cash?
The answers could go a long way toward determining whether Childress is still coaching the Vikings in 2010.
Cause and effect
Arizona's release of running back Edgerrin James, cornerback Rod Hood and linebacker Travis LaBoy.
The cause: The Cardinals didn't believe James ($5 million), Hood ($3 million) and LaBoy ($2 million) were worth the high 2009 base salaries they were carrying. All three players became expendable when Arizona selected running back Chris "Beanie" Wells, outside linebacker Cody Brown and cornerback Greg Toler in last month's draft.
The effect: According to the Arizona Republic, the Cardinals have $6.7 million available in salary cap room and can create even more space by striking a contract extension with linebacker Karlos Dansby, who counts $9.7 million under the franchise tag. But the Cardinals are moving at glacier speed in negotiations with Dansby and three other veterans (wide receiver Anquan Boldin, defensive tackle Darnell Dockett and strong safety Adrian Wilson) who have outplayed their current deals.
The ramifications of such impasses manifested itself Friday at Arizona's first 2009 minicamp. Boldin and Dockett attended but claimed hamstring injuries that prevented their participation (the Cardinals countered by sending both off for MRI exams). The problems are only going to get worse if these issues aren't addressed by the start of training camp in late July.
Ken Whisenhunt deserves a coach/counselor title for how well he handled disgruntled Cardinals players in 2008. But even The Wiz may not be able to work such magic in 2009 if the locker-room grumbling grows too loud.
The Buzz
A source told FOXSports.com to expect the NFL to consider playing Super Bowl LI (51) in London. Super Bowls XLIV through XLVII are already committed state-side and there's no way the league would play a landmark game like Super Bowl L anywhere else but the U.S. By targeting a London Super Bowl for February 2017, the NFL would have ample time for more test runs with international regular-season games. Remedying on-going turf issues at Wembley Stadium also is a must.Week in review
Big winner: We've got five of them this week courtesy of the Pro Football Writers of America's annual awards, led by Tampa Bay kicker Matt Bryant, who won the Halas Award given to the player who overcomes the most adversity to succeed. Days after the death of his infant son Tryson, Bryant kicked three field goals and three extra points last September in a victory over Green Bay. Other PFWA honorees were Arizona quarterback Kurt Warner (Good Guy Award for the player best at helping the media do its job), Pittsburgh Steelers owner Dan Rooney (Horrigan Award for the NFL official best at helping the media do its job), the Arizona Cardinals media relations department (Rozelle Award for the league's top PR staff) and Sports Illustrated's Peter King (McCann Award for the PFWA member who has provided long and illustrious service to journalism).
Big loser: Philadelphia cornerback Sheldon Brown. Complain about your contract all you want, Sheldon. The Eagles are going to give you the Lito Sheppard treatment and keep you under your current deal through 2009.
Under-the-radar move: The Eagles moving Pro Bowl guard Shawn Andrews to right tackle. Donovan McNabb should be thrilled. Even at 335 pounds, Andrews is considered so nimble that Philadelphia was going to shift him to left tackle before acquiring Jason Peters in a trade with Buffalo. Andrews' brother Stacy, who was signed away from Cincinnati earlier in the offseason, is now expected to start at right guard once recovered from a knee injury. The move also indicates that Philadelphia will likely not pursue re-signing former starter Jon Runyan, who is still recovering from knee surgery himself.
Author:Fox Sports
Author's Website:http://www.foxsports.com
Added: May 4, 2009
