How close was Brett Favre to becoming a Tampa Bay Buccaneer? According to the Tampa Tribune, thisclose.
The Bucs may not be sitting out the Brett Favre trade talks after all.
Though it was believed that the Bucs and Jets had both decided to wait until Favre reported to camp to renew any trade talks with the Packers, we are now hearing of a discussion between the Bucs and Packers that supposedly took place on Saturday. And the end result may be why the Favre saga is suddenly at a standstill.
It is believed that the Bucs and Packers were close to an agreement on compensation but that the agreement fell apart sometime on Saturday.
The sticking point is no doubt the Packers demand for a conditional draft pick that would become a No. 1 based either on Favre’s performance or his new team gaining a berth in the playoffs.
That has always seemed to be a rather hefty asking price and it seems the Bucs have balked at that. It is believed that the Jets are continuing to sit this thing out, and that may be where the Bucs are now.
As I wrote just days ago, Favre to Tampa makes sense. Although as the article points out, even if Favre can get Tampa to the playoffs, giving up a future first round pick seems a bit steep. Especially if Favre turns around and announces his retirement again after the 2008 season.
