Brett Favre's next team is...?!?!

If you are reading this, then more than likely this is the 1,802,343 time in the past two weeks that you've heard that future Hall of Fame QB Brett Favre wants to play football in 2008. According to Chris Mortensen ESPN, Favre is seeking an unconditional release from the Packers.

This begs the question, out of the remaining 31 teams in the NFL, where does Favre end up?

Factor: You'd have to assume that he wants to be a starting QB, ruling out teams with Pro Bowl QBs or already solidified roles:
(Patriots, Colts, Chargers, Bengals, Titans, Saints, Cowboys, Rams, Giants, Steelers, Seahawks)

Factor: Teams with large salaries invested in 1st round QB's will not be interested, ruling out:
(Cardinals, Redskins, Falcons, Ravens, Browns, 49ers, Raiders, Broncos)

Factor: The Packers would never release him without prior knowledge he would not join an opposing NFC North team, ruling out:
(Lions, Vikings, Bears)

Factor: His best chance at making it to the Super Bowl is in a weaker NFC Conference, ruling out:
(Chiefs, Bills, Jets, Dolphins, Jaguars)


That leaves the remaining three teams:

Eagles: While Head Coach Andy Reid has the Green Bay connection with Favre, I don't see Philly jumping at the chance to land the QB, especially with recently returned QB Donovan McNabb from injury and promising young QB Kevin Kolb in the wings. The Eagles do need to win now in a tough NFC East division, but I think they pass on the gunslinger.

Buccaneers: There are already reports that Tampa Bay is interested in Favre if he's available, adding to the arsenal of QB's at Head Coach John Gruden's disposal. QB Jeff Garcia is unhappy, Brian Griese and Luke McNown are backups, Chris Sims is in limbo, and rookie Josh Johnson is a project. Gruden loves tough, old, experienced players like Favre and does have the Green Bay connection. The NFC South is also up for grabs this year.

Panthers: This would be the ideal spot for Brett. This is a very talented team on offense, veteran WR's in Steve Smith and Mushin Muhammad, a sound running game and a smash mouth defense led by DE Julius Peppers. Head Coach John Fox is an a must win situation, the QB position is still undecided with Jake Delhomme coming back from injury and an untested Matt Moore. Favre would be close to home, get to play the majority of his games in the south, and Carolina fans would welcome him with open arms just as they did Hall of Fame DE Reggie White from Green Bay years ago.

Projected Winner: Carolina Panthers