Bucco....Brett?

Down in Central Florida, on the brink of training camp, the local press seems to have gone slightly mad over our Green old friend, Brett Favre. In theory, Tampa seems like a good destination for the "retired" Packers gunslinger. Always room for a quarterback (Jeff Garcia, Brian Griese, Luke McCown, Chris Simms and rookie Josh Johnson). Old pal, coach Jon Gruden. A version (however mangled) of the jolly old West Coast Offense. A ton of cap room (in the region of $20m+). Quality practice facilities (One Buc PAlace). Erm, struggling now - nice weather!

Okay, so there's a fair few reasons in favour of Brett coming on down to Ray Jay. The more that is written, the more publicity, the more tantalising the prospect seems. A Hall of Fame-bound quarterback, holder of just about every worthwhile record going, wanting away from Lambeau for pastures new? Too good to be true. Basically, every side minus Tom Brady and Peyton Manning (that would be 30) should have some interest in a player of this calibre. Unless they already have their guy in place. Dallas has Tony Romo. Jacksonville has David Garrard. San Diego has Philip Rivers. You see what I'm driving at. Tampa Bay has Jeff Garcia. Wait a second - Jeff.....Garcia?

Had this been the saga 12 months ago, the Buccaneers would have literally jumped at the chance. Seriously, coming off a 4-12 record with Gruden in the hot seat, the Bucs would have offered 1st round picks for the next 5 years to have a Brett Favre, that holy grail, those words that are whispered round here, a "franchise quarterback". Feels exciting just saying it. A quarterback who can do it all, be the face of the franchise, the kind of player necessary to win a Super Bowl.

12 months ago, had Green Bay exploring trade options for the legendary BRETT FAVRE, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers would have been there quicker than Warren Sapp in 2002, with Favre under centre in green and yellow.

But this is not Tampa 4-12, Bruce Gradkowski at the helm. This is Tampa 9-7 (yay.) This is Jeff Garcia's team. The Bucs haven't had a quarterback so successful in years. That's right - Jeff Garcia. He has more than just a hot wife, you know. 94.6 passer rating. A Pro Bowl alternate (ironic, considering it was Favre's spot he took). He is quick, mobile, accurate, threw only 4 interceptions in the regular season (less than Brett), has an excellent knowledge of Gruden's WCO, despite its complexity and quirkiness. This knowlege, behind an offensive line improved even further with the signing of centre Jeff Faine, provides an excellent platform for another winning season. On paper, there is no need for a Brett Favre in Tampa - Jeff Garcia is the sheriff in these parts.

But it isn't quite as clear-cut as I would have it. Nope, Jeff has publicly complained about his contract. That in itself is a side issue, but the important thing is: do the Bucs trust him for another year? Does Gruden still want a whinging Jeff Garcia.....or would he prefer the desperate for football Brett Favre? As a business and sports team, it would be (for both revenue from jersey sales and footballing reasons) good sense to sign Favre, have him compete for a spot on the roster in camp, and let him beat out the likes of the game-manager Brian Griese and project Luke McCown. But Favre doesn't want to hold a clipboard - he wants to be the star, the main man, the sheriff. But is Tampa big enough for those two? Two 38-year-old quarterbacks? Garcia and Favre?

As thrilling as a Bucco Brett in pewter n' red would undoubtedly be, the Bucs should go with Jeff Garcia, the man who was a huge reason for last years playoff appearance and what was, overall, a wonderful season in comparison to 2006. The grass always seems greener on the other side. Favre is a legend, no older than Garcia, with better arm strength, though more interception-prone and slightly less mobile. Those little scrambles when the Bucs receivers couldn't find any separation? That's Jeff Garcia, no.7. Favre doesn't have the legs to dig the Bucs out of those troubles. But he does have the playmaking ability, star power.

Save your money, Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The offense under Jeff Garcia has probably never been so well-run in recent history (ie: post-Doug Williams. Circa 1981.) Quarterback is not a question area for the Buccaneers; don't let the temptation of a potential Bucco-Brett #4 make it one. No disrespect to Favre, a superb quarterback, but we have - don't snigger - Jeff Garcia. He's not Peyton Manning, he ain't Tom Brady - but he's The Man here in Tampa Bay, at least for 2008.

I hope.