Okay, so I created some confusion here. I originally theorized that Brett Favre could and should sign with the San Francisco 49ers, but that was before Green Bay announced that they would not release Favre unconditionally.
So I changed my gameplan. I've had to flip-flop, because there's no way that Green Bay will trade Favre to an NFC team. Rather than have two articles about where Favre will go, I wanted to stick with one. Here it is.
The Oakland Raiders just might and probably should trade for Brett Favre. Think about it.
Aside from a few bloated contracts for a few players, the Oakland roster has plenty of talent; even if NFL pundits can't bring themselves to admit that. The x factor is how long QB JaMarcus Russell needs in order to become a true starter in the NFL.
At the same time, the AFC West right now is easily the most winnable division in the NFL. Denver is a mess and KC is rebuilding, while Oakland is on the cusp and San Diego is the only established team, albeit built around the aging LaDainian Tomlinson, sub-par receivers and a hot-head quarterback.
That means, Al Davis needs to capitalize on this window of opportunity to return Oakland to contention. If the Raiders go into 2008 with Russell at the helm, they will likely struggle and thus jeopardize the progress of Russell. What they need is a veteran QB to step in and maximize the current talent on the roster in order to take the psychological advantage away from Denver and Kansas City and to compete with San Diego, so after 1-3 seasons when JaMarcus Russell would step in, he'd merely be receiving the torch from a team on the right path rather than stepping in as an annointed savior. Like Jon Kitna did in Cincinnati before Carson Palmer stepped in. This however, is Brett Favre not Jon Kitna, so the chances of receiving a great reward by gambling a draft-pick to acquire Favre is probably worth it.
That veteran is obviously Brett Favre. I don't expect that Favre should 'train' JaMarcus Russell, as Green Bay essentially expected a future Hall of Famer to train his replacement known as Aaron Rodgers. Russell should have to pay Brett Favre just to be able to work around him. I would.
Favre's style of play fits the style that Al Davis loves—high-stake chances and deep passes. Favre would reunite with WR Javon Walker—whom was traded by Green Bay to Favre's dismay. Favre has never had a great offensive-line or great receivers, which is a description that fits Oakland's current personnel at those positions. However, the best runningback that Favre had was Ahman Green, while Favre would get the chance to play with Darren McFadden and Justin Fargas; with McFadden essentially a very explosive version of Dorsey Levens. The Raiders have a ProBowl caliber lead-blocker in Justin Griffith, which is what Favre had with William Henderson. And the Oakland defense would benefit significantly from an improved offense. Bottom line is, when comparing the personnel of Green Bay to Oakland, they are close to the same—with Oakland mainly lacking the veteran QB and true nose-tackle but sport the big-play runningback in Darren McFadden.
The question is, what should the Raiders offer? Why not a draft-pick and LaMont Jordan? If the Raiders get Favre for 2008—with the AFC West the way it currently is—they would easily win the division and be the comeback team of the year. And that's all I have to say about that.
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3 months ago
i completely agree with you, i think that smith would learn even more from a veteran, because while most might not know it, brett favre had troubles (not way too long), but he had troubles, he could assist alex smith, and help him further go on that line of montana-young-garcia trail that we had hoped for. i think the niners will be great if the pass does better, i mean look at frank gore, he had a sprained ankle, 8 guys in the box, an underachieving o-line, in addition to the passing of his mother, and his good friend sean taylor. But he still rushed for 1100 yards and 450 reception yards in 15 games. And the defense did well when it was out for 35 minutes everygame, imagine how much better it will be when they will be on for around 30 minutes, or less. I am excepting good from my niners.
from 2 months ago
see thats not even going to come close to happening because of the fat contract Jamarcus has and the raiders wont pay russell millions to ride the bench! If russell does not start now he will be a rookie all over again if he were to sit lets say 3 years! I think that with our running game and our defense russell should be fine look at the vikings last year? they had tavaris jackson but they had a killer d line and a killer o line with a great running game! Oakland can be the same! as long as Jamarcus Lets the plays come to him and not try to force anything oakland should be fine!
from 2 months ago
what the hell happened to the sf article i was talking about
3 months ago
What happened to the original article written by David X, for what ever reason all I can see is ilyas's comment to Dave's article. From the response, I can only imagine that the meat of the article suggests that the 49ers (although article's title suggests Favre going to Oakland).
What is of interest for me is the continuing link between Rodgers and Smith since the draft.
As far as Favre playing for SF, who knows, but at this point it would require a complete redirection of where the current management has expressed itself.
As I see it now, the Niners are a team in 'flux', not really rebuilding as they have many talented pieces in place already. It is more a matter of the team gelling over the upcoming season. I would predict a slow start followed by increasing proficiency. A .500 team with the bulk of their wins later in the season, regardless of opponents. The possible formation that really intrigues me would be a two tight end set with two flankers that could be successful in most any situation. It would be a formation that might result in four receivers going long to a strong running attack without tipping their hand until the snap. QB to be named later, a one back set, and four potential better than average receivers/blockers.
I have reservations concerning Favre and the Niners though, it would set back the potential development of Smith and/or company for a year or so of instant gratification, IF it works out. So, lets move on, get our long term program in place so as we might eventually have a new dynasty.
w.
2 months ago
Dude, I just don't see it. J Russell is getting so much money it is plain silly. I don't know if they can AFFORD to bench him another year. But never mind that. Honestly, when I saw this headline on Googlenews I clicked on it to tell you you were smoking much crack. But your argument has some merit. I don't know if the Raiders have the horses to trade. This team ain't loaded. If it is HEALTHY it might be dangerous. And I definitely disagree that we'd easily win the division with Favre. Favre had a terrible year two years ago and you are giving the Chargers way too little credit. Until they slip, I say you give them the respect they deserve. Also, I'm not sure Russell isn't ready. Favre definitely has some upside, no question, but is he worth the risk to the Raiders? The risk to Green Bay is way bigger--what if he has another great season and ends up beating the Pack in the playoffs, or worse, the Super Bowl? Or what if they don't make the post season and he does? So they need to consider keeping him. But for a team as fragile as the Raiders to take a flier on him and at what cost? I don't think so. Besides, look at what the Colts do with their draft picks. Maybe it is time the Raiders started using picks instead of trading them. Still, I don't think you are smoking crack. It's an interesting idea.
from 2 months ago
Don't see it either. Rogers has had more time than Russell, but not much. Why would another team trying to prepare a young QB want Favre when the team that's trading him is trying to do the same thing. Doesn't make sense. Look for Baltimore or Tampa Bay. They won't trade him in the division and those are the teams LOOKING for QBs. Oakland has expressed no desire to let anyone but Russell take the helm.
from 2 months ago
maybe Miami, but dude won't go somewhere where he has no chance of competing, which he would have in Baltimore or Tampa Bay. QB is the only major problem with those teams.
from 2 months ago
he could also go to the Panthers
2 months ago
i would hate that very very much. jamarcus needs to start asap and get his reps in. id rather see jamarcus take his lumps now than play ok with bret favre for a year or two
2 months ago
Why David Xaviel could be an idiot - see above
way too many holes in this article. i don't even know where to start
please don't write anymore about my raiders. thanks.
2 months ago
What?? First off, Favre was a big reason why Javon Walker was traded from Green Bay. It wasn't to his dismay, as he was very outspoken about Javon's bad attitude. If you remember Brett called him out about holding out for more money.
Second, one of our biggest question marks going into this season is our offensive line, especially at left takle. You think it is one of the strengths.
Bottom line, it's not gonna happen for those two reasons as well as the others listed above. Leave the Brett Favre talk where it belongs in the NFC North.
2 months ago
David Xaviel, Your pushing it dude... no way no how... Truly, were in a SLOOOOOOOOOOWWW period coz dude, Give me a break!
Favre want's to start and probalby Atlanta or the Viqueens but 4get about us...
Then again the 49rs might be in the picture or even the CHEF's
But the chemistry is just not there for us, your delusional!!!
2 months ago
Hand me some of what you're smoking, because it has to be the bomb.
Seriously, I could see Fav-rah end up in KC like Montana, before I see the Raiders destroying JRuss. He could also end up in Baltimore or maybe even Atlanta, but certainly not Oakland.
2 months ago
Nice idea, but this is a bit of a stretch. My personal opinion is that he ends up in Atlanta. Just my opinion. Great article for discussion though!
2 months ago
Favre is the type of player we always had in Oakland until the goofy move to los Angeles ruined us.
2 months ago
It doesn't make sense for the Oakland Raiders to go after Favre. The Raiders are not going to contend this year. San Diego will win their division, and in the extremely tough AFC, the aren't going to win one of the two prized wild-card spots. Now, if you're not going to contend this year for anything, why waste valuable time not developing your future QB? Why have Russell sitting on the bench and not developing when you aren't going anywhere anyway. I could see if they were a decent QB away from something, but they're not. If you have Favre, and build the team in the next 2-3 years to actually be worth something, then you've got to start over with Russell anyways. It doesn't make sense for a rebuilding team.
2 months ago
Favre would never play for Oakland or the niners... no chance for the playoffs
2 months ago
No way, man. Favre wouldn't last 3 games from the pounding he would take behind our weak o-line. Corky from Life Goes On...I mean, Josh McCown was useless, but was very quick. He avoided at least 25 to 30 sacks, or else our line would look even worse on paper. Favre has never been quick, and he is no longer fast. His release is nothing like it used to be, and if he is throwing against his body or falling backwards, his strength is non-existent (see super bowl dying quail). Everyone has given Favre a free ride his entire career because of his apparent innocent, charming appeal. The fact of the matter is the guy is a manipulator. Favre hand picks every single word that comes out of his mouth well in advance, and then rehearses the way in which he will deliver those words to ensure that he sounds like a poor, dumb, innocent, redneck. Once labeled as such, anything he says must be true because he is too dumb to lie. It's psych 101. Some people get it, but most don't.
2 months ago
No way, man. Favre wouldn't last 3 games from the pounding he would take behind our weak o-line. Corky from Life Goes On...I mean, Josh McCown was useless, but was very quick. He avoided at least 25 to 30 sacks, or else our line would look even worse on paper. Favre has never been quick, and he is no longer fast. His release is nothing like it used to be, and if he is throwing against his body or falling backwards, his strength is non-existent (see super bowl dying quail). Everyone has given Favre a free ride his entire career because of his apparent innocent, charming appeal. The fact of the matter is the guy is a manipulator. Favre hand picks every single word that comes out of his mouth well in advance, and then rehearses the way in which he will deliver those words to ensure that he sounds like a poor, dumb, innocent, redneck. Once labeled as such, anything he says must be true because he is too dumb to lie. It's psych 101. Some people get it, but most don't.
2 months ago
Chaka
LMFAO sounds like another QB named Bradshaw!
2 months ago
Farve would've been perfect for the RAIDERS had we not drafted Russell. It would be just what the RAIDERS have aways done. We made our decision now let's go with it ! Russell is big and strong, he will be fine with a few thousand snaps under his belt! The RAIDERS are on the way back...it might take awhile but we will be kicking butt again soon ! Count on it ! The greatness of the RAIDERS will be there! We never lost it we just had to regroup all teams go through it!
WATCH OUT , HERE COME THE RAIDERS AGAIN !
2 months ago
I dont see this too far of a stretch. If Davis could do it, I strongly believe he would. Considering JR's Holdout last season and lack of experience gained... He could take the back seat for ONE YEAR to one of or the best QB of all time. It would Def bring a spark and glare to the team not felt in years, not to mention reports show OAKLAND has shown interest...but truth is so has every other team in the league. Its a stretchy article but i enjoyed imagining if it were possible. Who knows..
2 months ago
Favre + Raiders = Tremendous Mistake! Let JR do his thing. He'll make a few mistakes, but that's how you learn. Favre in the mix would be a mistake that we'd pay for for years! JR needs to start and finish the entire season as the starter.
2 months ago
9 days before camp opens, JaMarcus Russell having been given the keys to the car, with his teammates in the backseat, and you want to change the plan simply because Favre might want to play again. Bad idea.
2 months ago
9 days before camp opens, JaMarcus Russell having been given the keys to the car, with his teammates in the backseat is supposed to delay his career for the privilege of being around Brett Favre, Bad idea, he's lost enough time due to silly mismanagement.
2 months ago
If Favre is traded to Oakland he should just retire again
from 2 months ago
Only if we get the Raiders 1st round pick, excuse me I mean the number 1 overall pick in the 2009 Draft...
2 months ago
if favre would ever be traded to the raiders (which will never happen) they will still not win the division. i still cannot believe how many of you raider fans actually believe you have a shot against the chargers when you haven't beat them in 9 tries/4 and a half years. The chargers will be competing for a super bowl this year, the raiders for a .500 record
2 months ago
I think that the Raiders need to leave the starting position in Russel's hands. Russel has already showed chemistry with some of the players. He had lead by example durring the offseason in the gym and in class. Russel's development is crucial to the Raiders right now and bringing in Favre will only delay that. Favre is/was one of the best QB's in the NFL and the Raiders have to stop signing old players. The Raiders future is now and they have to stick with that. I am not taking anything away from Favre but him in a Raiders uniform, I dont think so.Good article though.
2 months ago
Oh gimme a break Jordan, the Chargers are not unbeatable, even three times in the '08' season. As well, their good fortune has not been that long lived when you look at the grand scheme of things. They started racking up the wins as LT & Gates came into their own accompanied by a fairly recently legit defense. The Charger have not been a Great team ever. So it's not a stretch that we compete for the division now that our team has the potential to tur the corner. I firmly believe that even you are comming to that realization and it probably scares the hell out of you!
Peace
2 months ago
You wouldn't think Kiffin would want JaMarcus anywhere near Brett Favre. Sounds like he's trying to dink & dunk the gunslinger out of his system.
2 months ago
I think people are giving the Chargers way to much credit... they forget who the ding bat who is running the ship down there.. Every team in the west has a young QB.. all have a great RB.. 3 of the 4 have dimwits as Head Coaches.. I like what Kiffin did last year.. but he has to do something this year or else he will fall into the dimwit catagorie too.. at this point.. as weak as the West is.. our Division is up for grabs.. im not saying we win it.. but if we start out strong.. we got a shot...
As far as the Packer fan talking about Raiders being first over all again.. sorry.. that little nuggett will still belong to Miami :o)
from 2 months ago
"forgot who the ding bat who is running the ship down there"??
Al Davis didn't just HIRE that "dingbat" as you call him, but he kept him around for two years.
In other words, you just insulted the hell out of Al Davis for hiring a "dingbat".
Way to go, Doorknob.
2 months ago
Farve wont go to the Radiers, he wants to win. The Radiers have Russell ready to start and hopefully make a long run with himself and McFadden. They know they aren't going to win the Super Bowl this year.
Phillip Rivers is not a young QB anymore. The radiers don't have a great RB, McFadden hasn't played a down yet.
from 2 months ago
Philip Rivers is not a young qb anymore.???
HE'S 26.
You sure you have the right sport????
See, 26 is young.
In gymnastics 26 is old..but not football.
Stick around. Read other posts. You'll learn soon enough.
2 months ago
Russel is making too much money to spend another season on the bench. I agree that Favre could make the Raiders a contender right away especially with that defense. I would like to see it but I believe the Raiders are committed to rolling the dice with Russel.
from 2 months ago
our defense isnt that great yet.. we have 2 HUGE question marks at DT... our Secondary is going to be damn good.. but remember.. Kelly coming off a ACL and Terdell was a big TURD last year.. both still have ALOT to prove... we still need another LB'er and a DE.. BIG question mark on the Raiders D...
2 months ago
Nah we dont need Farve.. Russell has the keys to the car.. he should be starting.. he was named the starter and has practiced as such.. there really isnt alot Farve can do for us.. if we are rebuilding.. let the kid get in there and take his lumps.. he has to learn sometime.. now is that time.. let Farve go to a team who really needs him.. like Miami.. Carolina.. San Fransisco.. NY Jets Baltimore or even Buffalo.. all have HUGE question marks at QB..
Its Russell time..
Tomy
2 months ago
Mike 49er you're always a smartass aren't you? But I can see why you would always be mad considering your favorite team.
Tomycar said every team in the west have young QBs. Those players are Brodie Croyle (only played half a season), Jamarcuss Russell ( first year starter) and Jay Cutler (only played in 21 games)
Rivers on the other hand has been in the league 4 years, been to a pro bowl, has two years of playoff experience, and beat Indy on the road last year in the playoffs.
He's grown up and you can't compare him to Croyle, Russell, and Culter.
Get it? You'll learn.
from 2 months ago
You're easily confused, aren't you?
Let me help.
"Considering my favorite team"?? My favorite team, as bad as they've been as of late, is still better than your sorry team.
Here's your reality check.
NO TEAM has lost as many games in the last 5 years as the Raiders have. Means YOU SUCK.
No TEAM has had as many blackouts in the last 10 years as the Raiders have. Means, as fans, you SUCK.
Everytime I think about how I'm not happy with my team's progress, I always get to smile and say "Damn, at least we're not the Oakland Raiders."
Now, onward to your confusion-fest.
Young refers to age..you know, chronological.
What you're referring to is experience. You know, how much they've PLAYED.
Did you miss that day in school? Assuming you did, when someone asks "How old are you?" do you always reply "I have 5 years of Xbox experience" or do you state "I'm 16"???
That should clear it up for you rather nicely, I would imagine.
Another day you get to state "I learned something today."
Now, don't you feel better?
from 2 months ago
your favorite team, as bad as theyve been lately is only slightly better than ours (a whopping 6 games for a grand total of 25 wins over the last 5 years compared to our 19). and how many blowouts have you suffered in the last 5 years? id hazard a guess that its far more than we have, but ill let you be the loser who looks up the scores from every game both teams have played in the last 5 years, trying to prove me wrong.
and im probably right in guessing that youre gonna come at me with "weve won more games in the past 2 years"... yea in a weaker division, by far. a weaker conference and yet you still regressed from 2006-2007 (funny how much your offensive line resembles ours from a year ago, what with everyone looking lost and the defense plugging the running lanes and QBs getting killed). meanwhile weve improved. and added talent around the roster. now comes your smartass remark about how al is senile overpaying for mediocre talent. ill agree with the part about overpaying them, but can you say the talent is inferior to what was there before? no, so its an upgrade.
Oh, in case you were wondering, I'm fully aware that I was typing with incorrect punctuation and possibly incorrect spelling. I'm just letting you know right now that I'm fully capable of doing so correctly but I'm too lazy to go back and look over everything I type to make some guy with a very inflated sense of self-worth happy. Especially in an online discussion where no one quite cares how I type, except little douchebags like yourself.
2 months ago
All the history lesson when it comes to the 49ers isn't it. Im sorry to tell you this but Montana, Rice, and Young are gone. When the 49ers are down 28-0 this year and you're watching the game just tell yourself that they have a great history. That might hold back the tears.
I'm not a radiers fan and i don't know why you would imply that. Never said I was. Nice job though.
Young can refer to age but also experience. In terms of NFL experience Rivers isn't in the learning process anymore.
A 30 year old QB comes into the league for his first season = he's is young (in the league, experience)
On the other hand we have a 26 yr old in with playoff experience, pro bowler, 4 years in the NFL.
So whose the younger player in terms of the NFL. That's what im pointing out. Rivers isn't in the development stage of his career like the other 3 are. Is he young compared to Farve, Manning, and Brady? Yes, but not to the guys in his division.
Get it yet?
Probably not, you're a 49ers fan.
Rivers is a notch ahead of every QB in his divison.
from 2 months ago
All the history lesson when it comes to the 49ers isn't it. Im sorry to tell you this but Montana, Rice, and Young are gone. When the 49ers are down 28-0 this year and you're watching the game just tell yourself that they have a great history. That might hold back the tears.
Mike49er: Don't abuse the right to be stupid. Read first, then attempt to reply. Comment was Raider fans keep bringing up history when they're confronted, yet don't with me.
You need everything explained to you, don't you?
Seriously. It's like talking to my kids...when THEY WERE 12.
=============================================
I'm not a radiers fan and i don't know why you would imply that. Never said I was. Nice job though.
Mike49er: You can't even spell Raiders. Obviously you're not a fan of the team, or of the classroom.
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Young can refer to age but also experience. In terms of NFL experience Rivers isn't in the learning process anymore.
A 30 year old QB comes into the league for his first season = he's is young (in the league, experience)
On the other hand we have a 26 yr old in with playoff experience, pro bowler, 4 years in the NFL.
So whose the younger player in terms of the NFL. That's what im pointing out. Rivers isn't in the development stage of his career like the other 3 are. Is he young compared to Farve, Manning, and Brady? Yes, but not to the guys in his division.
Mike49er: Yeah, yeah, yeah...got it. What you're saying is you were stupid from jumping in with that sorry weak feeble attempt at explaining. Now that you got schooled, you're backtracking, trying to save face.
See, peanut, NO ONE says 'How young are they" when they're referring to EXPERIENCE. You trying to explain it off just makes you look as weak as your comment.
Should have shut up while you were ahead. Now you're reduced to babbling like a fool.
========================================================
Get it yet?
Probably not, you're a 49ers fan.
Rivers is a notch ahead of every QB in his divison.
Mike49er: LMAO...yeah...I know. He's not OLDER..just has more "experience".
Arguably one of the dumbest backtracks I've seen in a while.
2 months ago
How's that Smith feller working out for ya? I can't even remember his name, you know the #1 overall pick the 49er's had a couple of years ago. Given up on him yet?
2 months ago
You good at talking shit but you don't say much on the intellectual side.
I like how you didn't refute this time about Rivers, because you know im right. I didn't back track either, that was my intent from the very begining.
Like I said you're a 49ers fan, you're not going to get.
2 months ago
Are you like an 80 year old man? I hope so because you are very senile.
2 months ago
Tomycar's thought of the year..
When you argue with an Idiot, and there is someone watching, the person watching cant tell who the Idiot is..
We all know who the Idiot is.. Like we have to defend our team to a sack like a 40 Whiner fan? pfft he just still pissed off the Raiders are more improved.. we very well could challenge for the Division. his will still be in the cellar.. damn talk about Jealousy..
Another thought of the week.. when you ignore ignorance.. it gets bored and goes away..
2 months ago
An interesting read for sure, but Favre coming to Oakland would be disastrous to the Oakland organization. Here's why, Favre has retired twice in as many years. The guy doesn't know what he wants. He is worse than a girl. When Aaron Rodgers showed up, he was adament about not helping the guy out. Now I understand he is a hall of famer, but he isn't immortal and he will leave football(eventually). But that kind of attitude will only harm JRuss. I know it seems like JRuss is going to be thrown to the wolves this year, but the only way he will learn is to be thrown into the fire. Favre cannot be relied on, he said himself he isn't sure he is going to play even if he does end up getting released. This kind of headache is what we NEED to avoid this season. Let JRUSS learn on his own. I mean seriously, how many rookie qb's learn from the incumbent qb anyway. Usually a team has to bring in a veteran to help out the rook, and they sign knowing that will be their duty. Favre will never accept this anywhere, let alone Oakland. Let Green Bay deal with Brett, we don't need it.
2 months ago
Favre said he does not see himself playing in Tampa Bay because of the warm weather. So now Buffalo and New York look to be the most likely places for him. You can throw the Redskins in the mix too. Oakland not the place for him.
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