Tampa, Carolina Still Viewed By Many As Top Possible Favre Destinations
People within the league remain convinced that if the Green Bay Packers are going to trade Brett Favre, it probably will be to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers or Carolina Panthers.
Tampa has been regarded as the front-runner within league circles because Buccaneers Coach Jon Gruden is a former Packers assistant and runs a version of the West Coast offense to which Favre could adapt easily. Gruden also is known as a coach who loves to collect quarterbacks. There was a report that Favre doesn't want to practice and play in the Florida heat, and he could in effect block any trade by refusing to come out of retirement if he's sent to a team for which he doesn't want to play. But the Buccaneers were a playoff participant last season, and some in the league believe that Gruden could convince Favre to play for him.
Buccaneers General Manager Bruce Allen is refusing to comment publicly about Favre, citing the league's anti-tampering rules. But Allen reportedly asked quarterback Chris Simms how Simms thought Favre might fit in with the club.
The Packers are exploring their trade options and apparently would like to try to resolve the Favre situation before they report to training camp Sunday.
Favre announced his retirement in March but has said in recent weeks he wants to come back and play. Packers officials say they're committed to Aaron Rodgers as their starter and would have Favre back only as a reserve, something in which Favre isn't interested. So the leading possibilities, it seems, are Favre being traded or simply remaining in retirement.
The Panthers could turn to Favre with starter Jake Delhomme working his way back from elbow surgery. The Oakland Raiders also are suggested as a possible trade partner for the Packers by some observers, but it's questionable whether Favre would agree to play for them.
The Packers seem adamant that they won't allow Favre to play for a division rival like the Minnesota Vikings or Chicago Bears.
By Mark Maske |
July 23, 2008; 10:02 AM ET
| Category:
Buccaneers
,
Packers
,
Panthers
Previous: Dungy Not Fretting About Manning |
Next: K. Phillips In Fold With Giants
Posted by: CRitch | July 23, 2008 11:34 AM
There are no rules against it. But the Packers know that and you would think they'd protect against it. Maybe they could trade him for a third-round pick, with the provision that it becomes a first-rounder if Favre is traded again.
Posted by: Mark Maske | July 23, 2008 11:42 AM
Mark, could you tell me why Chris Simms was consulted on how Favre would fit in? That seems laughable. if T.B. acquired Favre, that Gruden growl would become a full on smile.
Posted by: Chris | July 23, 2008 3:29 PM
The comments to this entry are closed.
Are there rules that don't allow a player to be traded twice in a short span? Could a team with no interest in Favre trade Green Bay, and then turn around and trade him to Minnesota or Chicago for more value? Seems like a way for a team to pickup an additional 6th or 7th round draft pick for being a middle man.