The ballad of Brett

I thought the Green Bay Packers were clever in the Brett Favre trade they negotiated last night with the New York Jets. The more valuable Favre becomes for the Jets, the more the Packers get in return. If Brett does nothing but show up to the Jets camp, the Packers get a fourth round draft pick in 2009. In Favre participates in half of the Jets' offensive plays this season, that draft pick becomes a third rounder. If he participates in 70 percent and somehow the Jets make it to the playoffs in a division that includes the New England Patriots, the Packers get a second rounder. If it's 80 percent and the Jets make it to the Super Bowl over the Patriots, the Colts, the Steelers et al, the Packers get the Jets' first round pick in 2009. Neat.

I also think the Pack was wise to divest itself of Favre. He's been holding the team hostage for too long -- not only this season but in his protracted will he or won't he retire announcement delays for the last couple of years. Favre admittedly had a good season last year, but that followed a couple of mediocre ones. Will the real Brett Favre stand up? I'm betting the Packers are going to have to settle for a third round pick from the Jets at best.

But this whole affair has thrown some much needed excitement and anticipation into the upcoming NFL season, as far as I'm concerned. Brett Favre in a New York Jets uniform is a wonderful wild card to throw out there and I'm anxious to see how it plays out.