Brett Favre has told the Packers that he does not want to talk about going to another team, but it appears apparent that he will have to play in another uniform in 2008 if he wants to take the field. The two teams that reportedly want to talk to Favre the most are the New York Jets and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Chris Mortensen of ESPN says that the Jets have been given permission to talk to Favre, while it’s not known if the Bucs have been given the same permission.

Favre spoke to Packers GM Ted Thompson on Thursday, and told him that he is planning on being at Packers training camp over the weekend. He will have to officially apply for reinstatement before he shows up at the camp, and to date he has yet to do that, meaning he may not stroll in till Monday or Tuesday. The Packers will look for a trading partner for Brett, but the other team they make a deal with will have to have already spoke to Favre to make sure he wants to play for them.

The Vikings, along with Tampa Bay, the Bears and Jets have appeared from day one to be the front runners for the QB, and there was also some thoughts to the Panthers being in the mix as well.

Frequent End Zone Visitor Appears: Devin Hester has completed his untimely two-day vacation away from the gridiron and arrived at Olivet Nazarene University, reporting to camp earlier this Friday morning with high hopes of receiving a new contract.

GM Jerry Angelo has been involved in numerous chats with Hester’s agent, Eugene Parker, and expects to reach a new deal by this weekend. Parker indicated the possibility that Hester would entertain a holdout, but Angelo didn’t take the threat too seriously. Now that Hester is ready to suit up, the team quickly reinserted him back in to the training camp roster and said goodbye to tight end Marcus Stone.

Angelo Speaks: Meanwhile on Thursday, ESPN1000 talked with the Bears shot caller Jerry Angelo, and he sounded very confident and believes “good news” is soon to transpire. Still, yet it’s unknown whether a new contract has been put together already or if both sides have just continued the negotiating process. “We’re optimistic and we want to reward Devin,” Angelo said. “We told him that, he’s earned that. He doesn’t have to tell us how great he is. Or tell us any stats. We’ve all seen it for ourselves.”

By Andy Benoit, www.NFLTouchdown.com

Predicted: 3^rd

2007 Record: 9-7 (1^st NFC South)

Head Coach: Jon Gruden (7^th year)

*rookie

**new veteran

Roster Quick View

Offense

QB: Jeff Garcia Thirty-eight and coming off a Pro Bowl alternate season. In the final year of his contract and demanding a new deal.

RB: Earnest Graham Compact, low-to-the-ground running style makes him tough to bring down. Was also looking for a new contract, and got one.

FB: B.J. Askew Wants to handle the ball. Capable of handling the ball. Bucs won’t give him the ball. They love his blocking though. (Team player––he understands.)

WR: Joey Galloway How can a guy this old still be this fast? Critics say he’s slowing down. His 1,019 yards and 17.6 ypc suggest otherwise.

WR: Ike Hilliard This guy’s old, too. And he is slowing down (just a hair). Can still be effective in this West Coast system.

TE: Alex Smith Excellent athlete and bright individual. Hard to explain why his numbers have decreased each of the past three years.

LT: Luke Petitgout Injuries––major injuries––have been an issue. Serviceable when healthy.

LG: Aaron Sears Earth-rattling power as a run-blocker, but technique is nowhere near where it needs to be. Talent is there; Bucs need to keep working with him.

C: Jeff Faine** Recently became the highest-paid C in history (excluding those who play basketball, of course). Nowhere near that good, but gritty and tough.

RG: Davin Joseph Same story as Aaron Sears, only with an additional year of experience under his belt. Strong hands make him a future Pro Bowler (if he continues his development).

RT: Jeremy Trueblood Has survived his first two years as a starter, but just barely. Lacks nastiness and really struggles in pass protection.

————————–

QB: Luke McCown Admit it….you don’t know the difference between him and his brother Josh. Both are athletic backups. This one will vie with Brian Griese for the No. 2 job.

RB: Warrick Dunn** Has lost some of his burst, sure. But excellent pass-blocking and dependable hands make him a good fit on third downs.

WR: Michael Clayton Let’s just say the movie is better.

WR: Maurice Stovall Maurice, you’re 6’5’, 220. Why, exactly, did you catch only 10 passes last season?

OL: Anthony Davis Swing tackle who can also fill in at G. Excellent auxiliary tool off the bench.

Defense

LDE: Marques Douglas** Led all NFL D-linemen in tackles behind the line of scrimmage last season. Will share time with Kevin Carter, Jimmy Wilkerson and Greg White.

DT: Chris Hovan High-energy player who can exhibit power and quickness. Scratches and claws his way through each play.

DT: Jovan Haye Had his good and bad moments as a rookie. Can become a good starter if he corrects some fundamental flaws.

RDE: Gaines Adams Led all rookies with 6 sacks despite a somewhat tepid start. Bucs appear destined to get their money’s worth with this fourth-overall pick.

SLB: Cato June Fast and weighs only 227. It makes absolutely no sense having him play in traffic on the strong side (rather than in space on the weak side).

MLB: Barrett Ruud Productive, but it’s impossible for the MLB not to be in Monte Kiffin’s scheme. Doesn’t like taking on blocks, and can be slow to diagnose.

WLB: Derrick Brooks Sagacious veteran leader, but at 35, has clearly lost a step. He may want to soon consider initiating his Hall of Fame eligibility.

CB: Ronde Barber Yet another elder statesman (33). Remains a good all-around player.

SS: Jermaine Phillips Came to life in 2007, showing excellent strength against the run and impressive range in coverage.

FS: Tanard Jackson An absolute steal in the fourth round last year. Custom made for this defense; could emerge as Tampa Bay’s best player in ’08.

———————

CB: Philip Buchanon In a contract year; will have to please coaches again this season if he wants to remain a starter here.

DL: Greg White Pass-rushing veteran who always stirs things up when he’s on the field. Coming off an eight-sack season.

LB: Ryan Nece Would you believe he’s one of just four guys left from the ’02 Super Bowl team?

NB: Aqib Talib* Character issues are a concern…unless your coach is Jon Gruden and you’re an athletic 6’2” ball hawk.

Key Player Acquisitions

WR Antonio Bryant (FA)

DE Marques Douglas (SF)

RB Warrick Dunn (Atl)

C Jeff Faine (NO)

TE John Gilmore (Chi)

QB Brian Griese (Chi)

LB Leon Joe (Buf)

LB Teddy Lehman (Det)

LB Matt McCoy (TB)

TE Ben Troupe (Ten)

DL Jimmy Wilkerson (KC)

CB Eugene Wilson (NE)

Key Player Losses

FB Mike Alstott (retired)

TE Anthony Becht (Stl)

LB Patrick Chukwurah

QB Bruce Gradkowski (Stl)

CB Brian Kelly (Det)

OL Matt Lehr (NO)

SS Kalvin Pearson (Det)

RB Michael Pittman (Den)

DE Greg Spires (Oak)

C John Wade (Oak)

Bruce Allen has final say over the personnel, but Jon Gruden’s heavily-weighted input shows in the significant amount of roster turnover. Every free agent acquisition, save for the linebackers and the chemically-imbalanced Bryant, is almost certain to have a significant impact in 2008. Faine got $10 million guaranteed in a six-year, $34 million deal. That’s too much, though he is an upgrade over Wade. Replacing Pittman with Dunn is akin to replacing Al Capone with Mother Teresa (in terms of both character and stature). They won’t miss Kelly, and Alstott left them last year.

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You Heard Right Dallas Fans; the best team in the NFC is the Saints. I know what some of you are saying, but without a doubt the Saints are the team to beat in 2008.

Last years predictions were simply a roll off of the success they had in 2006, the pieces that were put in place to fix the holes in the defense did not pan out, and injuries kept the playmakers off the field. The loss of Deuce was like tying a boxer’s right hand behind his back. The big punch he brings was not there. Deuce wears teams down, and that did not happen after he went down.

This year is different, the defensive holes have been filled, and teams will now have to worry about at least 3 major threats with Reggie Bush, Marques Colston, and now Jeremy Shockey going down the field. This will also open the run game and provide the lethal blow to opposing teams each week.

Just looking at the rest of the teams in the NFC, there are just to many questions left to be answered. 7 teams in the NFC have questions still at the QB position. Also there are the off the field issues that are plaguing some.

As far as Dallas is concerned, the only team that is close to being on the same talent level as the Saints. They will implode from within; they have a playboy QB, that can’t stay focused, and other playmakers that are focused more on individual accomplishments instead of just winning as a team.

I have already stated my case in previous articles, so I will just give you the cliff notes.

QB Drew Brees is the most accurate passer in the NFL, giving him 3 playmakers to throw the ball to will be a sure thing.

Whoever lines up in the backfield for the Saints will benefit from the passing game, and see allot of open field to run in.

The Offensive line is returning everyone except Center Jeff Faine; they will once again allow Drew Brees to stay upright this year.

The Defensive line is stacked and has enough quality backups to allow plenty of rotation, and rest so when the 4th qtr comes around, they will be able to maintain and hold teams allot more.

The linebackers will benefit from the improvements in the D line, and will be able to chase and tackle without worrying about those big OL guys bearing down on them. Vilma is going to be the spark; the LB core has been missing.

The CB, and Safety positions are stacked as well, each person will be playing harder than ever, in fear that if a hint of 2007 pops up, Coach Payton will yank them in a heart beat.

So with that, my 2008 prediction for the New Orleans Saints is:

13-3 Regular Season Record

NFC South Champions

NFC Champions

Super Bowl Champions,

5 Saints going to the Pro Bowl this year!!!

I enjoy watching Jeffri Chadiha verbally battle Skip Bayless on ESPN’s 1st and 10. I especially give credence to anyone that can hand Bayless his hat in those contrived arguments. However, Chadiha’s latest bit of information does not sit so well with me, and it may be the same for other Cowboy fans. Jeffri, a Senior NFL writer for ESPN, gave his list of the 10 most indispensable players in the league. Just as every other top 10 list this off-season, the Cowboys have a contribution.

The oft misunderstood but never undervalued Terrell Owens comes in at number three, behind Fly-Guy Tom Brady and the heir to Brett Favre’s throne (in the record books), Peyton Manning. Though I am not disagreeing that TO is a commodity that Phillips can ill afford to be without, I would argue that Tony Romo is way more indispensable to the team than “The Receiver.”

Value cannot solely be measured in touchdowns, but it’s a good start. The Real 81 found the endzone 15 times. That accounts for about 42% of the receiving touchdowns and more than a quarter of the total TDs. Those are big numbers, but Tony Romo was responsible for 100% of Owens’ scores. He was also responsible for 100% of the team’s 36 passing touchdowns.

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Brett Farve wants to play in 2008. The question is, with who? The Packers have been speaking to various teams in the league, exploring Farve’s worth in a possible trade. Most of the teams are in the AFC but some NFC teams have been contacted. Even though they are feeling out their former star QB’s worth, the Packers might not necessarily trade him.

I know its hard to believe that Green Bay could part with their legendary quarterback but a trade would actually make sense. The Packers have a good QB in Aaron Rodgers and drafted that position in this years draft. Keeping Farve in the line up as a starter would make those assets worthless. They could benefit from trading Farve for other lacking positions and possibly 2009 draft picks.

Farve, when/if he returns, is willing to go to any team that makes a deal with Green Bay; that is if his team does in fact trade him. That aspect will influence any would be deals but Farve does desire to play for Green Bay in 2008. Although he has yet to announce his comeback, he has already been told he would be coming back as a backup to Rodgers. Farve would only need to send a letter to the NFL and the Packers asking to be reinstated and he would be able to play in 2008. When or if he does that we don’t know but I’m hoping he does. I’d like to see him play for another team and spread the talent around.

At long last, Football has returned. On Friday the Rams open up with their first full contact practice in preparation for the 2008 season. As those of us amerced in Rams fandom have become accustomed over the past few years, a plethora of question marks are hanging over the blue and gold as camp opens. Before the Rams marketplace opens, I offer up my advice on whose stock you should buy, and whose will start falling faster then the Dow Jones.

Alex Barron:

Buy

The Rams 05 first rounder has been disappointing to this point. (you see what I did there, that was a false start.) Barron has struggled to make the most of his size and athleticism to the extent that the Rams brass was expecting when they made him the 19th overall pick. His accumulation of penalties has at times been maddening. However, one thing Barron has yet to really have is real competition at right tackle. Well arrived it has in 3rd round selection John Greco. Greco is expected to push Barron for the starting job from the beginning, and maybe the fact that #70 will have to look over his shoulder for the first time in his NFL career will light a spark in the typically placid Florida State alum. Barron is approaching the end of his rookie contract, so the time to step up is now. I feel like the loss of job security could be just what he needs to light that fire and help him turn the corner. Otherwise Greco will take over responsibility on the right side, and Barron will have to find somewhere else to jump offside’s.

Dante Hall:

Sell

In the not too distant past, Hall was feared league wide as the “human joystick” however; a season plagued by injuries has greatly diminished Hall’s effectiveness as a return man. For the first time in a while, the Rams have a few viable options in the kick return game, options that don’t turn 30 this season as Hall will. Rookies Donnie Avery, Keenan Burton, and veterans Marques Hagans and Derek Stanley, are all in the mix. In a year in which the Rams receiving core will be shaped for the next few seasons, it makes sense for the team to go young and stay young. With Tory Holt posturing for a Carolina end to his career once his Rams contract is up, it becomes that much more important to groom the young players that may have to step up to fill the void in the mot so distant future. Youth is the name of the game now, and Hall is no longer the weapon he once was. Look for him to be a cut around Labor day.

Chris Long:

Buy

I have already grown tired of the panning of the pick by Rams fans that were in love with Glen Dorcy. Take your could of should haves and move to Western Missouri if you are that sold on Dorsey. Long got his deal done in time to not miss a snap of training camp and he continues to say all the right things. Look for him to step in from the start and assert himself as a leader on and off the field. The Rams d-line is slowly improving, and a healthy Adam Carriker next to him won’t hurt a bit. I expect good things out of the combo of Long Kariker and Ryan. And while we are on the subject of Clifton Ryan look for him to explode this season. He showed flashes last year, and I look for him to be a force inside.

Mark Setterstrom:

Sell

Setterstrom was a guy I loved coming out of the draft, but he has shown thus far that he can’t stay healthy. The biggest red flag for me is his short-lived move to center earlier this off-season. What this says to me is that either, (a) the Rams staff is incompetent, wasting time working Setterstrom at center before moving him back to guard, (not out of the question) or (b) Setterstrom wasn’t impressing and the coaches were looking for a spark out of Setterstrom. Regardless the competition inside the ram’s line should be tuff, with Jacob bell expected to hold down the left guard spot, there will be a few guys duking it out for the right side position. Early word is that the coaches like Roy Schuening quite a bit, and I was sort of impressed by the work put in by Brandon Gorin last season, doing an adequate job starting at right tackle just days after being signed off the street. Unfortunately, I feel like Settrstrom will have to be looking for employment elsewhere come September.

Randy McMichael:

Buy

All signs point towards a significantly increased role for McMichael in the offence this year. (Short of falling asleep on the bus and missing the game, his role couldn’t be decreased much more) McMichael was very recently one of the top tite ends in football, and with the arrival of Al Saunders in St. Louis, good things should be happening in the passing game where McMichael is concerned. Look for a bigger impact to be made by 2006 2nd round pick Joe Klopfenstein as well. (if not he is in danger of being moved next off-season)

A couple more names to watch:

Tim McGarigle, loved this guy coming out of Northwestern, could be time for him to step up and prove that he deserved to be kept after spending most of last year’s camp hurt

Jonathan Wade, the corner position is starting to get crowded with young guys in St. Louis, Wade is going to have to show something in Wisconsin if he is going to hold on to his current gig

That’s all for now, Friday marks my first opportunity to be proven completely wrong.

It looks as if NFL Commish Roger Goodell is keeping a close eye with the ongoing saga between the Packers and QB Brett Favre. AP is reporting that Goodell has spoken to the Packers management several times about the drama, and has even encouraged Pack GM Ted Thompson to talk to teams around the league about Favre and a possible trade. That story broke yesterday that the Packers have called several teams about the interest in a deal for Favre.

Favre has still yet to put out a letter of reinstatement, and it is not known as to when that is going to happen. For now, Green Bay is set on going to camp with the plan still in place that Aaron Rodgers is going to be the teams starting QB. One team that has been popping up more and more as a possible destination for Favre is Tampa Bay. The AP report says that Tampa Bay, where this seasons Super Bowl will be played, is “perhaps the most likely destination” for the former MVP.

The St.Petersburg Times ran a story that Bucs GM Bruce Allen asked unhappy QB Chris Simms about Favre last week. “He asked if I felt Brett would be able to come back and be good here if he didn?t have a lot of reps in training camp,” Simms said, according to the paper. “I said I thought he would but there would have to be some compromise with coach (Jon) Gruden. He’ll just want the play called and to drop back and throw it in there. But it’s something we talked about.” The Bucs have down played their desire to land a marquee name like Favre, and for now will stick with Pro Bowl QB from last season Jeff Garcia.