Hey Minnesota, Take Your Pick: Donovan McNabb or Brett Favre?

The speculation began when ProFootballTalk's Mike Florio started talking about the possibility that the Minnesota Vikings may not want Brett Favre to return for the 2010 season.

The mere thought that Brad Childress and Co. were done with the one year Brett Favre experiment then raised questions: If not Favre, then who?

Tarvaris Jackson?

Sage Rosenfels?

A quarterback in the 2010 Draft?

How about Philadelphia's Donovan McNabb?

While it's still just speculation, even ESPN's John Clayton is now reporting that the Vikings would seriously consider pursuing McNabb if Favre does in fact retire.

Again, there isn't much substance to this, as Favre hasn't made a decision yet, and as far as the public knows, Favre remains Minnesota's first choice.

After all, it's not like McNabb has been winning Super Bowls left and right. His most recent playoff game was a horrendous effort in which his team got destroyed by the Dallas Cowboys, who incidentally, Brett Favre destroyed.

But just say Favre does retire. Then, wouldn't it be safe to say this would no longer be speculation, but suddenly a door that is wide open?

Just look at the facts:

Brad Childress coached in Philadelphia for years, has a working relationship with McNabb, and knows his strengths and weaknesses. Childress is smart enough to know that Favre gives the Vikings their best chance, but he also knows McNabb well enough that he's not too far behind Favre in terms of being able to lead teams and win games.

McNabb knows the offense, would benefit greatly from a run-first approach, and would easily be able to put Minnesota's explosive offensive weapons to good use.

The Eagles are quietly looking for a way out for McNabb, while trying to ease Kevin Kolb into the starting lineup. However, McNabb has history there, a lot of history, and this franchise isn't going to just go drop him on the Cleveland Browns or St. Louis Rams. At least, not if they can help it.

So, if Favre is too tired and doesn't think he can win anymore, don't be shocked to see this rumor start up again.

Then again, don't be so shocked to see Brett Favre nip it in the bud with an "I'm coming back" press conference.

Oh, to speculate: A writer's dream.

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