The Trade Of The Century

Well, a few days later, this is finally all sinking in. Brett Favre is a JET. Jeez, what is this world coming to? While the jerseys are pretty much the same, Favre must adjust to playing in the same division as the almost-World-Champion Patriots and Tom Brady. But, lets recap what was a crazy summer for us all...and I'll simplify it a bit.

March - Brett Favre says a teary goodbye to the game of football, saying he has nothing left to give.
April - Favre tells NFL Network's Steve Mariucci that he can still play.
May - Nothing, the Packers tried to recruit him a few times, but Favre was set on retirement.
June - Favre decides he wants to stay retired. The Packers tell Favre to stay away, so he asks to be released.
July - Packers coach Mike McCarthy says Aaron Rodgers will be the starting QB. Favre forces the Packers hand when he says he will report to training camp. The Packers tell him to wait a few days so they can try to move him. He does what he is told, while working out in Mississippi.
August - Wow, what a week. Brett flies to Green Bay thinking there will be an open competition at the QB position, only to leave without practising a day later. The Packers offer him a $20 million/10 year "marketing contract" to stay retired, Brett refuses. And than, just when you think Favre is being traded to the Bucs, BAM, he becomes a Jet for a conditional draft pick next year. Let me explain.
If Favre plays in 50 % of the Jets offensive plays, the Packers get a third round pick.
If Favre plays in 75 % of the Jets offensive plays and they make the playoffs, the Packers get a second round pick.
And, if Favre plays in 80 % of the Jets offensive plays and they make the Super Bowl, the Packers get a first round pick.
As it stands, the Packers get a fourth rounder.

Now, I'm only gonna say this once: the Jets won this deal....BIG TIME. Not only do they get one of the best QBs in NFL history, they get a quick solution to their QB woes. Sure, they may lose as much as a first round pick, but they could have a legitimate shot at the playoffs. Favre has also said that he is very healthy, and could stay for the remainder of his three-year contract. This is unlikely, but Favre's presence should help in the development process of Kellen Clemens.

The move also allowed the Jets to release Chad Pennington, a move they should have made years ago. Pennington is dead-accurate, but can't throw the ball very hard or far.

The trade immediately raises the Fantasy values of Laverneous Coles and Jerricho Cotchery, and could take pressure off of RBs Thomas Jones and Leon Washington. Overall, the Jets did a very good job.

As for the Packers, all I can say is...you had better hope Aaron Rodgers stays healthy. They will now be forever known as the team who traded Brett Favre, and if it doesn't work out, there could be a new GM, head coach and QB in town next season. If Rodgers struggles...at all...he will be booed relentlessly by Packer-nation, and that will all but end his career. It is near impossible to replace a legend, and Rodgers may not be prepared for what lies ahead.

Also, the Fantasy values of Donald Driver, Greg Jennings and Donald Lee all take hits. But, I suppose it is very possible that Rodgers could come out and be successful, but in all likelyhood, this will be Brian Brohm's team come 2009.