If the rumors about quarterback Brett Favre wanting to come out of his brief retirement and return to the Green Bay Packers are true, he's putting the team in a difficult position. In fact, some (including many Packers fans) may view his decision as a selfish move. But at this point, I don't see where the team can do anything but welcome him back with open arms should he decide to return.
They basically have three options. They can welcome him back and give him back his starting job. They can release him and run the risk that he is picked up by a division rival like the Minnesota Vikings or Chicago Bears. Or they can trade him. None of those options are ideal, however.
The team has a lot invested in Aaron Rodgers, and had seemingly turned the page on a new chapter in their illustrious history by grooming him all offseason for the starting job. But this situation has the potential to become a public relations nightmare if it is perceived that the future Hall of Famer was pushed into hanging it up before he was ready. Or even worse if he's forced out of town by a general manager and head coach who don't want him back. If that's the case, Ted Thompson and Mike McCarthy could be run out of town themselves (assuming they make it out alive, that is).
And Thompson can't simply cut the guy. Can you imagine Favre running out of the tunnel at Lambeau Field on opening night wearing a Vikings uniform... and then throwing four touchdown passes to beat his former mates? Thompson would be crucified by the media and fans alike.
So what about a trade?
That's a more plausible solution, but it would have to be to a team that Favre is receptive toward going to. And what if he throws for 4,000 yards and 30 touchdowns, taking his new team deep into the post-season, while Rodgers struggles in Green Bay and the team fails to make the playoffs?
Granted, this mess has evolved mostly because of Favre's indecisiveness, but how do you turn your back on a guy who has been the face of your franchise for 16 years, has an unprecedented three league MVP awards, and had your team within a field goal of going to the Super Bowl last season?
For what Favre has accomplished over his career, he deserves to go out on his own terms regardless of how wishy-washy they are. Yes, he's put the Packers in a huge bind. They've spent the offseason adjusting their offense to better fit Rodgers and also burned two draft picks on quarterbacks. (Most teams keep just three on the roster, so who's the odd man out?) But this is a guy who is in the mix when discussing the greats signal-callers of all time.
Turning him away could be career suicide for whoever pulls the trigger.
