Once again, NFL offseason fun begins. Tonight will open the free agency and die-hard fans abroad will be waiting to see their team stream across ESPN with a new acquisition.
Many teams will have to make very important decisions about resigning the players they already have, and find brand new pieces to fit the puzzle. If successful in this, they might have a chance to bring a championship to their city.
Most of the talk thus far has replicated that of the last couple of years—it’s all about Brett Favre and whether or not he will be partaking in another season with the Packers.
Much like baseball’s Roger Clemens, many people feel Favre’s inability—or refusal—to give the team a definitive answer one way or another is selfish, putting himself above the team.
In Clemens’ case you could even say that he is putting himself above the whole game more so than a single team. We have seen it time and time again with both players, and if Brett Favre weren't Brett Favre this kind of behavior would not fly.
Clemens and Favre are similar in this respect. They are able to hold out much longer than anyone else because of who they are. The difference between them, though, is that a starting pitcher only plays every five games while the quarterback is usually the most important player on the field in every game.
Also, Clemens was not on a roster. He was simply floating around and any team that wanted him late was making the decision to sign him. No one’s hand was being forced.
The argument many make is that Favre is hurting his team because delaying a decision makes it difficult for the Packers to fill their roster appropriately. I disagree.
No matter what, there are next to no quarterbacks available in free agency. Derek Anderson is at the top of the list this year and he is restricted. Plus, Cleveland made a fairly solid offer yesterday and most agree that he will accept.
So whether Favre decides against play now or in two months, Aaron Rodgers would be the man in Green Bay.
If Favre were to say now that he is coming back for another season it would probably help the team sign some free agents. So think about this: Brett Favre would actually be helping the Green Bay Packers by holding out in announcing his retirement, if that’s what he decides.
Free agents are more likely to sign with the Packers if they are 75 percent convinced Brett will be back. A wide receiver like Moss—the fun free agent linked to the Packers thus far—certainly wouldn't rush to Green Bay for an Aaron Rodgers’ led franchise.
The thought of a magical season with Brett Favre, who had the Packers at the doorstep of the Super Bowl last year, is much more appealing.
If the Packers hadn't spent a first round pick in 2005 on Rodgers and if a Doug Peterson-type quarterback were the only option given a late Favre retirement, it’s true that he would be hindering the team greatly. But the bottom line is, this year that is not the case.
Packers fans should also be pleased that Favre is, in a sense, holding team management's feet to the fire. They were close to real victory last year, and Favre’s holding out just may be his way of forcing management to obtain the key players the team needs to get to—and win—the big one this year.
Folks, if it were already the halfway point in training camp and Favre was still undecided, he would be holding the Packers hostage and it would be hurting the team.
But as of now, I say the delay is not really hurting them. Plus, if he is retiring and waits to announce that decision, it would probably prove beneficial for the Packers.
12 comments Last one added about 1 year ago — Leave a Comment
Anonymous about 1 year ago
Brett Favre is nothing like Clemens. Stick to being a paramedic because your articles suck!
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Jeffrey Santon about 1 year ago
hahahaha, great input... If you read the article u would see I agree... maybe you should stick to being anonymous because your comments are what suck..
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Divya Parmar about 1 year ago
I agree with you 100%. Brett Favre is holding the Packers hostage. They cannot plan for next season without knowing if #4 will be back. Also, free agents won't sign there if they think Brett will retire.
But I still think Brett Favre is coming back.
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Zander Freund about 1 year ago
I agree with you Jeffrey. It would be one thing if we were halfway through training camp, but the season just ended a few weeks ago!
This is an incredibly tough decision for Favre and one that he shouldn't just make on a whim. He'll need to do a lot of thinking and surely will consult the advice of a lot of people, namely his wife and children.
THE WORST thing Brett could do is say one thing and then halfway through training camp change his mind. That would really be screwing his team over. It's much more preferable for him to wait to make a decision until he's sure.
Is he getting special treatment? I suppose...but not the kind of special treatment Clemens asked for (contract wise). All Favre wants is some time to collect his thoughts.
Favre deserves special treatment. He hasn't missed a game in thirteen seasons. He has sacrificed his body for the city of Green Bay and the Packers organization.
They thus can wait until he's decided for sure. That's one thing he's definitely earned through his career with the Pack.
BTW, I agree with Divya: Favre will be on the field when opening day rolls around.
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Jeffrey Santon about 1 year ago
Hey Z!! Havent heard from you in a while!!! Love the new format!! Hope all is well.. I also agree with your comment agreeing with me!!! hahahahahahahahahahaha
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Andrew Kneeland about 1 year ago
I don't get you guys. This Favre holdout isn't effecting the Packers in the least.
There current plans are to have Favre taking snaps, but if he doesn't play next year, they will go with Rogers.
Who else could they be going after? Lorenzon? Granted, Anderson is a good option, but in all likelihood will re-sign with the Browns for one year.
Favre isn't screwing anybody over.
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Jeffrey Santon about 1 year ago
Yes we know.... You are repeating what the article states throughout.. So I guess you do get us because you completely agree...
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Anonymous about 1 year ago
As a Cal fan that's been waiting years for Aaron Rodgers to break the "Tedford QB Curse", its been dissapointing to watch him sit especially watching him play in Dallas this year. But personal issues aside, while I agree that Farve's decision will not have much impact on the 2008 team, the fact that Rodgers has sat on the sidelines for years prevents the Packers from determining what Rodgers real value is when his contract is up -- the Packers will go in to the 2009/10? season with an unknown value of Rodgers, and may pay too much to keep him or let him go too easily, neither of which are good for the long term. Hope he gets a Superbowl ring this year, otherwise by the time Farve retires, the "young" receiving corps will be old, and so will their "QB of the future".
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John Fennelly about 1 year ago
It's Brett's ball....he's done a lot for the Packers, so they will give him as much time as he needs.
Is it fair to the team? Not anymore, I think...
Personally, I think it's time.. You're only as good as your last pass - and we know how that went
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Michael Priebe about 1 year ago
It would be irresponsible for Brett Favre to not announce a decision in the next week or so. I believe he respects Green Bay and WI more than that. I believe he respects his teammates and Mike McCarthy more than that. We should hear something soon.
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Anonymous about 1 year ago
Wow...this article sucks....and unfortunately I did read it.
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Anonymous about 1 year ago
Are you really comparing Favre to Clemens??? Wow.
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