Packers look for ways to end Brett Favre saga

MILWAUKEE — Still locked in a standoff with Brett Favre and facing the potential for a major disruption in training camp, the Green Bay Packers apparently are considering trading the three-time MVP to a division rival.

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported Thursday that Packers officials have had internal discussions about trading Favre to the Minnesota Vikings or Chicago Bears as a "last resort" to resolve the smoldering controversy.

As recently as Monday, there appeared to be no way the Packers would give Favre what they suspect he's wanted all along: A one-way ticket to Minnesota. Packers general manager Ted Thompson said earlier this week that he would not consider trading Favre to one of its NFC North division rivals.

But with Favre poised for reinstatement and potentially ready to show up in Green Bay on Friday to turn training camp into a circus, team officials might be willing to do just about anything. There were multiple reports Wednesday night that the team had offered to pay Favre up to $20 million to stay retired.

Thompson and other Packers officials did not immediately return telephone messages left by The Associated Press. The Packers did not have a public practice or media availability scheduled Thursday.

The team resumes practice Friday — and Favre might be back with them, unless something can be worked out soon.

Favre, who retired in March, filed a letter on Tuesday requesting reinstatement from NFL commissioner Roger Goodell. The commissioner has waited to approve the request in hopes that Favre and the Packers could work out a resolution.

But that hasn't happened yet, even after team president and CEO Mark Murphy traveled to Mississippi on Wednesday to meet with Favre and agent James "Bus" Cook.

Favre was not seen working out with players Thursday at Oak Grove High School, something he has been doing in recent weeks to stay in shape. Cook was in his Hattiesburg office but was not available for comment.

Once Favre is reinstated, the Packers have 24 hours to decide whether to cut him or add him to their active roster. The Packers also could trade him, but such a deal is unlikely to happen unless Favre says he will report to his new team.