NFL Free Agency: Latest Brett Favre Rumors

The Brett Favre show supposedly came to an end again when the gunslinger filed his retirement papers in January following a disappointing 2010 season. It is difficult to take Favre seriously, as this will be the third time he has retired. With most offseason activities wiped out by the lockout, 'tis the season for Favre rumors.

Though he has been remarkably invisible since this most recent retirement, the rumors surrounding his future have not ceased.

Whether they're pure hearsay or just fan talk, here are some of the latest rumors about Favre's plans and options for the coming season.

Returning for One More Season, Again

The first time Brett Favre said he was done with football, he came back. The second time he said he was done with football, he came back. Since this is his third retirement, it is fitting that there is some doubt among fans and experts.

There are plenty of teams who could use a veteran to bridge the gap between the present and future, but Favre would only return for another ring.

It is not out of the question for Favre to pull, well, a Favre and un-hang 'em up for another season. His only real option would be a return to Minnesota in order to mentor Christian Ponder and start the season if the Vikings don't think Ponder is ready. It isn't as though the team has lost that much talent. They merely suffered on offense in the absence of receiver Sidney Rice.

Gil Brandt started the rumors when he noted that, "I do think Favre would be interested in talking to a team about returning."

Working Towards a Career as a Coach or Mentor

Brett Favre has been working with Minnesota Vikings quarterback Joe Webb this offseason. He has also been in contact with and rumored to be interested in acting as a mentor to No. 1 overall pick in this year's draft, Cam Newton.

Favre, himself, has said that coaching, along with commentary, are "unlikely" anytime soon, but that doesn't rule them out for the future.

While Favre made a career out of his bad habits, he has a lot of knowledge to impart. There is more to the game of football than just on the field. Favre has faced a sex scandal, played through his father's death, his wife's breast cancer and dealt with substance abuse issues for which he spent 46 days in rehab before the 1996 season.

He may not be the best role model, but Favre can help young players navigate the pitfalls of being a professional athlete.

Coming Back as Michael Vick's Backup in Philadelphia

If Favre did come back, where would he go?

The logical answer is back to Minnesota, but that isn't the only team that could, or would, welcome his return. A recent rumor outlines a scenario in which the Philadelphia Eagles sign Favre to back Michael Vick up.

It is absurd to think of at first, but upon further review, it doesn't seem so outlandish.

The Eagles are likely to part ways with Kevin Kolb, and Vick hasn't played a full 16 games as a starter since 2006. The offense is loaded with talent, and Favre showed, with Minnesota in 2009, that he doesn't need much time to develop a rapport with teammates. In the event that Vick can't go for a game or two, Favre would be able to step in without missing a beat.

Though it is just a rumor, there is some merit to the idea that it could work for the Eagles and Favre. He would be coming back to help a team instead of feeding his own ego.

Coming Back as Joe Flacco's Backup in Baltimore

Brett Favre signing with the Baltimore Ravens was once used as an April Fool's joke in 2009. Two years later, fans have actually considered the proposition. Joe Flacco is the franchise quarterback, but what happens if he goes down?

Favre, as Flacco's backup, could impart invaluable wisdom to the growing passer and could allow the Ravens to open up the passing game.

The Ravens aren't desperate for talent at quarterback, but there is no discounting the value of a seasoned veteran standing on the sidelines. Quarterback coaches are great, but a quarterback knows better than anyone else what it takes to excel at the position.

If he was to return in a backup role, Favre would likely not demand a huge contract. It wouldn't be the worst thing to happen to the Ravens, however unlikely another Favre return may be.

Staying Retired for Good

What reason is there for Favre to come back?

He is not the type of player who is okay being a stop-gap for a team waiting to hand the franchise over to their prized rookie. Minnesota may lose Sidney Rice in free agency, and last season proved that the Vikings can't do much without him.

Favre may go down as one of the best quarterbacks in NFL history, but it is about time he lets his legacy set in instead of further tarnishing it.

Any of Favre's previous doubts about retirement could be chalked up to a love for the game that won't let him stay away. After last season, any comeback he stages would be purely selfish and put him at the top of fans' and experts' most hated lists again.

He already has his Super Bowl ring and most of the passing records in the NFL. What is there left to prove or achieve?