Favre to Jets, But Does it Spell Success?

As was announced Wednesday night, the New York Jets made a move and acquired future Hall of Famer QB Brett Favre.

The number of snaps, and how well the Jets perform next season, will determine what 2009 draft choice the Packers will receive.  This means, no matter what, the Packers will get at least a fourth round draft pick next year. If Favre plays more than half the season's snaps, this pick is elevated to a third rounder. For the Packers to receive a second round pick, Favre must take the Jets to the playoffs and take 70% of the snaps in 2008.

Should the Jets go to the Superbowl and Brett takes 80% of the snaps during the season, the Packers will get the Jets' first round pick.

However, this trade is much more than who gets what.  It is a bittersweet day for all parties involved.

First, it is the end of the Packers and Favre relationship that yielded Favre three MVPs and the Packers a Superbowl along with many wins and playoff appearances.

The Packers will miss the leader that they have had since 1992.  The Packers are also departing with an injury-free quarterback who is far from proven and venturing into the unknown with Aaron Rodgers.

Favre will miss the offensive system he has been accustomed to throughout his career.  Additionally, parting with the Packers is also parting with the best opportunity to win a Superbowl.

Secondly, the Jets are ending their relationship with Chad Pennington.

While Pennington has had trouble staying on the field, when he did play, he established himself as a decent quarterback with signs of great promise. Sadly, it seems to be impossible to retain Chad and also afford Favre under the salary cap.

We can expect to see Chad in the Free Agent market very shortly.  At 32, it appears that this former first round draft pick will not get another opportunity to start, at least not this year.  It also means that Pennington will most likely receive a huge pay cut if and when he finds another NFL team to play for.

Now, what does this trade mean to the success of the Jets?

Well, this move makes it obvious that the Jets feel that they are Superbowl contenders with Brett Favre.

At 38, Favre does not have many years ahead of him and the time to win is now.  The Jets did get the better of this deal, whether or not Favre performs well.  They have moved on from the Chad Pennington era, an event that will relieve the franchise of waiting for their starting quarterback to complete one season healthy, since Favre has yet to miss a game in his career.  

The Jets also gain a valuable leader whose presence in the Jets franchise will motivate young players.  It is also important to mention the fan support and media attention this will draw to the Jets during the season.  

And don’t forget about the huge number of #4 jersey sales.  

What did the Jets have to lose in this deal?

If all fails and Favre gets injured, all the Jets have to give up is a fourth round draft pick.  I am sure any team would be happy to give up a first round draft if they make the Superbowl because of a trade.  Expect the Jets to make a playoff run, but come up just shy, with their record in the 8-8 to 10-6 range.

So the Jets are the winner in this trade, but who is the loser?  

It’s not the Packers ,who are moving on from the Favre era as they rightfully should have done after he retired.

No not the Packers, Favre gets the worst deal out of this trade.  He is moving from a highly successful organization to a New York Jets team that finished last season 4-12;  He is headed into a tough AFC East division with a team that cannot seem to sustain any sort of success for more than two consecutive weeks.

He also will not be Mr. Green Bay anymore.  His legacy will always remain in Green Bay, but his image there will be tarnished.

Overall Grade of the Trade

Jets: B+

Packers: C, just cause giving Favre another chance may have yielded another great season.

Favre: D, he gets to play again, but should have stayed retired.