Source: Packers will allow Favre to compete for quarterback job
When the NFL reinstated Brett Favre on Sunday, it begged the question: Did the Packers tell Favre he could compete for the starting quarterback job?
That was unclear Sunday afternoon, with one source close to the talks between Favre and the Packers telling SI.com that Favre would be able to compete for a job in camp, but not distinguishing between the starting gig or a backup role. The source also said Favre did not personally speak with general manager Ted Thompson or head coach Mike McCarthy before leaving Mississippi for Wisconsin on Sunday afternoon.
A private plane carrying Favre, wife Deanna and agent James “Bus” Cook arrived in Green Bay shortly after 8 p.m. EDT Sunday night. Favre exited the plane and waved to a crowd of several hundred fans gathered at the airport — in a severe lightning storm, no less — before driving off in an SUV.
If the competition involves a duel with currently anointed starter Aaron Rodgers for the starting job, the move would be a sea change in the Packers’ thinking. Thompson and McCarthy have steadfastly insisted Rodgers is their starting quarterback. It could be the team is simply allowing Favre to come back to win the backup job over rookies Brian Brohm and Matt Flynn.
si.com
8/3/08
