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Should Bucs Go For Favre?

Associated Press (2007)

Brett Favre led the Packers to the NFC title game last season.

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By IRA KAUFMAN | The Tampa Tribune

Published: July 15, 2008

If the Packers come to their senses and realize they have little choice but to move Brett Favre, several NFL clubs appear poised to make a move for his services.

The nightmare scenario for Green Bay would be for Favre to end up in Minnesota, where the Vikings boast a dynamic ground game led by Adrian Peterson and an impressive defensive line now led by Jared Allen.

That's why there's little chance Green Bay will grant Favre's desire to be released. As an unrestricted free agent, he could sign with the team of his choosing.

The Packers also don't want to see Favre end up in Chicago or Detroit, so the chances of any deal involving an NFC North rival are remote.

That leaves AFC teams like Baltimore, Buffalo and Houston as potential landing spots, along with Carolina, one of Tampa Bay's competitors in the NFC South.

But what about the Buccaneers?

Favre turns 39 in October, but he's coming off one of his best seasons as the Packers fell an overtime loss short of representing the NFC in the Super Bowl.

The Bucs appear set at quarterback with veteran Jeff Garcia, backed by Brian Griese and Luke McCown. Bringing Favre in would prompt Garcia's departure, but it's a scenario worth debating as Green Bay entertains offers for a Hall of Fame quarterback.

Favre didn't play particularly well against the Giants in the postseason - nor did Garcia, Tony Romo or Tom Brady.

Tampa Bay's Week 4 matchup against Green Bay could be one of the most intriguing games in Bucs history if No. 4 ends up playing for the home team.

As defending division champions, the Bucs don't have a crying need for a new starting quarterback, but we're not talking about Jon Kitna here. This is Brett Favre, who won 160 games for the Packers in 16 seasons.

The Bucs have won 196 games in 32 seasons.

GO GET HIM

1. The Glazers say they are all about winning championships. Acquiring the amazingly durable Favre gives the Bucs a better chance this fall as the Bay area hosts the Super Bowl.

2. Coach Jon Gruden is an unabashed Favre admirer, having worked with the Packers as an assistant from 1992 to 1994. Asked about the likelihood of Tampa Bay trading for Favre, Warren Sapp says: "I know Gruden would be ecstatic."

3. With the window closing on LB Derrick Brooks and CB Ronde Barber, this season might represent Tampa Bay's best shot at earning another Super Bowl berth for a while. Favre's presence could make the Bucs the team to beat in the NFC and Tampa Bay has the salary cap space to absorb his salary.

4. The addition of Favre could bring out the best in young WRs Michael Clayton and Maurice Stovall and underachieving TE Alex Smith, who has never caught a pass longer than 33 yards in three NFL seasons.

5. Bucs merchandising revenues soar the moment Favre wears pewter.

FORGET HIM

1. Jeff Garcia throws fewer interceptions than Brett Favre, already knows Jon Gruden's playbook and has won over the Bucs locker room.

2. Changing starting quarterbacks at this late date doesn't make sense for a defending division champion, especially since the Bucs will have to part with assets to obtain Favre.

3. The three-time league MVP might revert to the gunslinger style that led to an NFL-record 288 picks.

4. Favre made his reputation on the frozen tundra of Lambeau Field; he'll wilt in the sultry environs of Raymond James Stadium.

5. Elbert Mack, a rookie free agent CB, already wears No. 4 for the Bucs.

GRUDEN ON FAVRE THROUGH THE YEARS

•" I cannot imagine the National Football League without Brett Favre."

•"He's been great for the game. What do I remember about him as a young player? No fear. None. Zero."

•"Brett Favre loves crisis."

•"That's one of the all-time tough guys you'll ever see play."

•"I've always admired a guy who loves what he's doing."

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