Favre Keeps Packers Twisting in the Wind

Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre held a press conference Saturday to say that, well... he really doesn't have anything to say. In all fairness, the press conference had alreading been scheduled for his charity golf tournament, but there was plenty of speculation that an announcement would be made regarding his future. For weeks, the franchise has been hanging in limbo, waiting for their golden boy to decide whether or not he wants to play in the NFL in 2006. And it looks like they'll have to wait some more.

Favre, apparently, is upset with the team's lack of activity in the free agent market and wants to see the club's front office make a statement by reeling in a Reggie White-type of acquisition. The problem, of course, is that ship sailed about a month ago. If there were any player available with the potential to make an impact this year the way White did for the Packers back in 1993, he was signed by another team weeks ago.

Yeah, there are a few big names left out there --Ty Law, LaVar Arrington, and Charles Woodson-- but none that are going to have the type of effect Favre is looking for. So the former All Pro is facing a difficult decision. Does he hang it up now while he still has the desire to play another season? Or does he come back for that final bow and risk having it all fall apart for the second year in a row?

Favre is a sure first-ballot Hall of Famer, and another losing season isn't going to change that. But there is no way he wants to go out on back-to-back seasons like the one the Packers suffered through in 2005.

General Manager Ted Thompson has pulled off a couple middle-of-the-road signings. And with the return of some of last year's wounded, the team could contend for the NFC North crown, assuming Favre returns. But this club doesn't have the depth it once did. And just a key injury or two could cause it all to come crashing down again in 2006.

And Favre could be left trying to hold the pieces together once again.

My guess is, despite the risk of another catastrophic season, the competitor in Favre won't let him hang it up just yet. While that one last brass ring might be a long shot at best, the lure of the spotlight and the thirst for competition will bring him back for one last season in the sun. Join the discussion...