Decision Time for Favre, Again

If it's the offseason, it must be time for the Brett Favre watch.

As was the case with last season—and the one before that—Favre is leaving Packer Nation hanging on the edge of its seat.

He has not made a commitment on returning for the 2008 season, so rampant speculations begin.

That's just silly, though. Favre is coming back next season. You can take it to the bank.

If Favre were to retire, he would've done so after the 2006 season, when he left the field tearfully believing he'd played his last NFL game.

The Packers were somewhat in disarray. Mike McCarthy just wrapped up his rookie season as a head coach. The Chicago Bears, at least defensively, looked so dominant that they should be ruling the NFC North for years to come.

Well, 2007 changed all that.

If he comes back, he'll return to a team that's among the three elites in the NFC—the Giants and Cowboys being the others. And a point may be made that although the Packers lost to New York in overtime in the NFC championship game, they still might be the best all-around team.

With a legitimate chance of reaching his third Super Bowl—and the first in 12 years—it's hard to see Favre walking away. But for the Packers' sake, he should make his intentions known quickly, preferably before Feb. 29.

Aaron Rodgers is the heir apparent, and he showed glimpses of promise when he relieved an injured Favre against Dallas in the regular season. But if he were to step into Favre's role next season, then the Packers will need to acquire a proven veteran backup. With free agency set to open Feb. 29, Green Bay would need to know if it's an areas that needs to be addressed.

And then there's the draft. Rodgers will be in his fourth year in the league; and should Favre decide to retire, then the Packers must plan accordingly. With Favre returning, the Packers can always put off drafting the next quarterback in line for another season.

Without a doubt, Green Bay wants Favre back. With the future Hall of Famer, the Super Bowl is within the Packers' sights. Without him, they're at best a good team with a shot to win the NFC North.

The Packers just wish Favre can hurry up and end this soap opera, now.