Favre could get paid not to play

He and the Packers are mulling a $20 million marketing deal.

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — Brett Favre’s reinstatement to the NFL was held up again Friday as the three-time MVP mulled getting paid not to play through a marketing deal with the Green Bay Packers that could resolve the standoff over his retirement.

The potential agreement, worth a reported $20 million over 10 years, might end Favre’s bid to return just months after retiring. It also would likely keep him from reporting to Packers training camp and a team that is not planning to start him at quarterback for the first time since 1992.

After talking to Packers president and CEO Mark Murphy about the marketing deal Wednesday, Favre confirmed he was considering it to ESPN Thursday.

Packers coach Mike McCarthy made it clear Friday that, from the team’s perspective, the agreement would be more than a buyout to make an awkward situation go away. In fact, it’s been in the works for months. He first heard about it at Favre’s retirement news conference in March.

“I know Mark Murphy talked to me about it in the past, how important it was for Brett to continue to be part of the organization after he was done playing,” McCarthy said after practice Friday morning. “And frankly, it’s good for Brett. Brett needs to stay a part of football, Obviously, he’s a part of the Green Bay Packers.”

Meanwhile, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell sat on Favre’s reinstatement letter for the fourth day, giving the two sides more time to resolve the situation.

Despite Favre’s tearful farewell to football, he now is considering a comeback.

The problem is that Green Bay hasn’t been eager to bring him back, with Aaron Rodgers taking over the starter’s role. The Packers also don’t want to release Favre, suspecting he would immediately sign with division rival Minnesota.

The Packers hold Favre’s rights until his current contract expires after the 2010 season.

Favre said in a text message to ESPN reporter Ed Werder Thursday night that the marketing deal might be the best idea.

“There isn’t a perfect solution to this, but Mark Murphy is at least trying,” Favre told ESPN. “We know what they want and where I stand. His solution, although awkward and unsettling for most, may be the best in the end.”

Packers linebacker A.J. Hawk chuckled at the thought of being paid $20 million not to play.

“You could hand me a billion dollars, and I’m still going to be on the field,” Hawk said. “It doesn’t matter to me. But everyone has different situations, has different views on money. Money is not more important than football to me right now.”