Favre Re-instatement Would Hurt Him as Much as it Helps Him

When I read recent reports that quarterback Brett Favre will ask for his re-instatement and will report to the Green Bay Packers training camp next week, my reaction was the same as most other people; "this is going to put the Packers in a bind."

After all, the second Commissioner Roger Goodell grants Favre's request, he's going to be a member of the Packers roster; something that could create an unwanted distraction as the team tries to prepare for the upcoming season. The move seems to force the Packers to make a quick decision; giving the advantage to Favre.

However, it hurts the quarterback as much as it helps him.

In essence, in tipping his hand and forcing the Packers to make a move, Favre is sacrificing the one thing he had in his favor; the ability to effectively void a trade simply by staying retired. The second Favre becomes an active player and reports to camp, he loses that leverage.

At the point he is re-instated, the Packers have full control over his destiny. In theory, if a team is interested in Favre and has the cap space to trade for him without having to renegotiate a new contract first, the Packers can trade him there and he has no control over it. If he refuses to play for the new team, he is subject to fines and could even be considered in breach of his contract. Rather than being able to hold out and wait to be traded to a playoff contender, the Packers now have the ability to send him wherever they choose; most likely a team they won't be playing in the near future and is a long-shot for the post season.

And, there's still no guarantee the Packers will trade him. While not ideal given the circumstances, the team does have the cap room to keep him on the active roster and, while some may question the decision to bench him in favor of Aaron Rodgers (if that really is what the team intends on doing); few would be able to argue against the wisdom of having a veteran passer of his caliber available in case Rodgers gets hurt or struggles. By being re-instated, Favre could find himself watching the games from the sidelines.