Giving something to get something

July, 31, 2008
Jul 31
5:20
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By Kevin Seifert
Posted by ESPN.com's Kevin Seifert

GREEN BAY, Wis. -- As the Brett Favre watch continues, now is as good of a time as any to hit the mailbag. (Remember, an expanded version runs on Friday afternoons). This edition references today's blog post on the possibility of the Packers trading Favre to Minnesota.

Jon of Virginia writes: are you out of your mind? why would the vikings TRADE for Favre, when EVERYONE in the world now knows the packers will almost certainly release him (it's either release him or have a $12M backup). WHY would we give up chester taylor AND a THIRD ROUND PICK??? and you used to report for the vikings? your lack of football knowledge is pretty unbelievable. IF we trade for him, anything more than a 5th round pick ONLY is COMPLETELY ridiculous (and even that would be unnecessary). start thinking like a businessman, kevin. you're starting to sound like just another fan who is not in touch with how the NFL works. yes, it makes sense for the pack to trade him instead of getting nothing, but why would the vikes trade for something they can get for free?

Kevin Seifert: Jon, many of your points are valid. (Especially the one on my state of mind). I agree that a third-round pick and Chester Taylor would be too much for the Vikings to give up, and I tried to make that clear in the post. But I do think the Vikings would have to sweeten the pot beyond a fifth-round pick in order to convince the Packers to do something.

Sure, it would be best if the Vikings waited to see if the Packers released Favre before giving up a draft pick to get him. But if the Vikings made the commitment to pursue him, it would seem they would be motivated to get him into training camp. A new quarterback needs time to learn personnel and the offensive scheme, no matter how experienced he is. Favre probably needs a full training camp to get in shape, as well.

If the Vikings simply wait, there is no telling how long the Packers would hold on to Favre's rights -- and, even then, there would be no guarantee they would release him. But if they were properly motivated by attractive compensation, the Packers might trade him in a time frame that makes more sense for the Vikings. That was my point.

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