RealGM

With his family "tugging" on him to play, Brett Favre has an "itch" to come out of retirement and report to training camp with the Green Bay Packers later this month, according to sources close to the team and player.

Favre has communicated his potential desire to coach Mike McCarthy but talks have not advanced to a substantive stage, a Packers source said.

The source said the Packers would be reluctant to open the door for Favre because "Brett retired for the right reasons, even though I know his family is tugging on him [to play]."

Another source conceded Favre was "getting the itch" to play football in 2008.

However, Favre's agent downplayed the likelihood that the quarterback could un-retire or that he was prepared to report to camp July 28.

"As far as I know, right now, Brett Favre is retired and until he tells me something different, that's what it is," James "Bus" Cook, Favre's agent, said.

Favre was unavailable for comment. A Packers spokesman said that McCarthy and general manager Ted Thompson were on vacation.

Favre has two years remaining on his contract at an average of about $12.5 million per season. His salary is not currently counting toward the salary cap because the Packers placed him on the reserve-retired list.

Mags FTW wrote:If you guys are really interested in this topic you should just come over to the Packer board. I just typed a bunch of breaking news in there. Basically:
Favre has been asking if he can come back.

The Packers have said no.

Favre now wants to be released.

Favre’s only response so far was a brief text message to the Biloxi (Miss.) Sun-Herald. When asked by the paper about the report, Favre said, “It’s all rumor.” When asked about a possible media firestorm, Favre said, “No reason for it.”

Icness wrote:If he comes back, the Packers hold his rights. If they don't want him, they will be forced to waive him. That means he hits the waiver wire, so any team can claim him. The waiver order is based on worst-best records, so MIA gets first crack, then STL, and so forth.

I had a brief email exchange with a guy at Pro Football Weekly, here is the crux:
Favre is feeling out the Packers, and the Packers don't want him back, they are ready to move on. Favre will not play for another team because he only would come back to a legit contender, but non-contenders like the Jets and Bears would absolutely claim him.

Da Schwab wrote:

Icness wrote:If Brett Favre put on a Bears uniform, everyone in the state of Wisconsin would have their head's explode.

bove310 wrote:Good for the Packers if they said "no". This is a very selfish move on Favre's part. Aaron Rodgers may not be anything spectacular, but it's now his job and he shouldn't have to deal with this year after year. Let the kid start his career, Brett...

Worm Guts wrote:

bove310 wrote:Good for the Packers if they said "no". This is a very selfish move on Favre's part. Aaron Rodgers may not be anything spectacular, but it's now his job and he shouldn't have to deal with this year after year. Let the kid start his career, Brett...

If Favre wants to play and is still capable, I don't see how it's selfish. He's supposed to sit out because it might hurt Aaron Rodgers feelings? Please.

Icness wrote:

Worm Guts wrote:

bove310 wrote:Good for the Packers if they said "no". This is a very selfish move on Favre's part. Aaron Rodgers may not be anything spectacular, but it's now his job and he shouldn't have to deal with this year after year. Let the kid start his career, Brett...

If Favre wants to play and is still capable, I don't see how it's selfish. He's supposed to sit out because it might hurt Aaron Rodgers feelings? Please.

I would agree with that assessment in February or March, but not in July. He forced the team to move on without him; now he wants them to scrap all their offseason work so he can maybe come back if the mood strikes him more than two days in a row.