Favre out of favor?

Will he or won’t he?

The question is quickly becoming “Who cares anymore?”

By continually being granted more time to decide whether or not he’ll play in 2006, Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre is giving the appearance of staging a publicity stunt. The future hall of fame QB has reiterated that he still has the desire to play – provided the Packers front office makes enough moves to field a playoff-caliber team.

So what exactly has the Packers organization done to entice Favre to come back?

They’ve added non-descript wide receiver Marc Boerigter via free agency and re-signed WR Rod Gardner as well as running backs William Henderson and Najeh Davenport. They also get back RB Ahman Green, injured most of last season.

On the down side, the Packers lost kicker Ryan Longwell, offensive lineman Mike Flanagan and WR Antonio Chatman to free agency. Worse yet, WR Javon Walker has expressed no interest in playing for the Packers again, potentially leaving Green Bay without a significant downfield threat.

Now, tell me how all of that is going to propel a team that finished 4-12 last season to a playoff berth in 2006. I don’t see it.

It would be an absolute public relations disaster for the Packers front office to just come right out and say “We wish to move in a new direction” and simply let the iconic Favre go. However, GM Ted Thompson and company seem to be making clear that very sentiment. Given the fact that the Packers have had a substantial amount of money under the salary cap and have spent very little to actually upgrade the roster, what does that say? Thompson definitely does not want to be the bad guy here. Therefore, it appears he’s hoping the organization’s non-activity this offseason will force Favre’s hand. The 36-year old Favre has made it perfectly clear he does not want to go through another miserable season like the one he endured in 2005.

What it all boils down to is Favre merely looking for a little love. He dangles out the possibility of retirement in hopes the Packers organization falls all over themselves begging him to return for another year. Obviously, that hasn’t happened.

A word to the wise, Brett: Retire!

In the 14 seasons with the Green Bay Packers, you’ve resurrected a moribund franchise into a perennial contender, including a victory in Super Bowl XXXI. You’re a lock for the Hall of Fame. And given the town of Green Bay has already named a street after since-departed coach Mike Holmgren, what do you think they’ll do to honor you (How does “Favre Township, Wisconsin” sound)?

You want love, Brett? Go ahead and retire with your legacy intact.

I guarantee the state of Wisconsin will shower you with all of the warm fuzzies you seemingly desire.