Whither Favre?

Nothing really new to report- but the latest:

Favre's Agent says he's ready for a media frenzy at camp.

There are apparently discussions with the Jets for a trade.

The $20 Million 'offer' (hmmm... bribe?) to stay retired is under consideration.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell isn't moving on reinstatement, preferring to give at least one more day before reinstatement.

The Vikings and the Bears are acting surprised at a potential 'last-ditch' trade within the NFC North to get rid of Favre.

But is this whole situation playing out in Favre's advantage? There's speculation that this could indeed be so- and it makes a certain amount of sense to me. I think the Vikings would take Favre- the column linked above thinks they could snag him for a second round draft pick at the very least. Some might point out the obvious: with 4 quarterbacks right now, what does Minnesota need with a fifth one?

What indeed? Well, apart from the obvious fact: (he's Brett Favre) we have to consider what the Vikings are going to be up against in the next legislative session. While the Vikings went to River Falls to practice with the Chiefs, owner Zygi Wilf stayed behind to meet with state Senators here in Mankato to discuss potential funding for a stadium upgrade (or new stadium) by the time their lease ends on the Metrodome in 2011. The Vikings have, wisely, I think, decided to stick with the current Metrodome site, since the infrastructure is already in place and a shiny new stadium could re-vitalize the area in a big way- it also saves boatloads of cash, which, given the economic situation is a good thing to do.

But they desperately want an upgrade for the Metrodome. And there was a column some weeks ago that pointed out that Favre could be the guy to give it to them. The team needs a QB that can generate excitement and public support. And if Minnesota can land Favre, then every Vikings fan from here to the Canadian border is gonna want to rub it in the faces of every Cheesehead they can find. And they'll want a shiny new place fo r their newest hero to play.

Sports wise, getting Favre would make a QB mess (temporarily), but it could also be what the Vikings need to complete a slowly coalescing picture to make them a legitimate playoff contender, if not outright Super Bowl Contender. Favre has 3 seasons left in him if he's lucky and that could generate excitement, results, and enough public support for a new stadium.

Everyone wins.