Green Bay Packers General Manager Ted Thompson isn't going to grant the request by Brett Favre's agent, Bus Cook, to release the 38 year old quarterback.
And for all the fans that think Ted Thompson owes Brett Favre anything isn't thinking clearly. Thompson is in effect, the head of a large business. It's not his job to react emotionally, like the fans do. It's his job to think about the future of the football team and just where Brett Favre fits into it. Thompson has to do what's best for the Green Bay Packers looking ahead.
So in response to Bus Cook's request, Thompson welcomed Favre back, with no guarantees. Thompson didn't necessarily say Favre would be Aaron Rodgers backup, but he's not guaranteeing that Favre would get his starting job back either.
Reading between the lines, it seems as if Thompson is moving forward with Aaron Rodgers as his quarterback, leaving Favre with the option of signing on as the backup and potential starter if something happened to Rodgers. Now the million dollar question is this. Will Brett Favre take the spot on the Packers roster with no guarantee's attached, or will he stay in retirement.
Thompson isn't going to release Favre. That would be irresponsible and could place him into enemy hands (Minnesota or Chicago). A trade seems unlikely at this time, although not out of the picture down the road.
There's still two more weeks before the start of training camp, so this back and forth posturing could continue, or Favre could let everyone know of his intentions. So far, we've not heard a word from Favre himself. His agent, his family, his friends, even a newspaper reporter from the south has factored into this mess.
Who knows, if Brett reports in two weeks, perhaps it'll be an open competition for the job. That wouldn't be the worst thing in the world. Competition usually brings out the best in a player doesn't it?
People seem to think Ted Thompson has messed this whole process up and he has something against Brett Favre. I don't see it. But everyone is entitled to their opinion. What do you think?
Listen / Download – Ted Thompson says this is difficult for everyone. :26
Listen / Download – Ted Thompson describes Favre's status with team :22