By PFW staff
Aug. 2, 2008

Preferring that pro football's focus be directed squarely on the induction of the 2008 Hall of Fame class Saturday in Canton, Ohio, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has opted to delay his action on Brett Favre's reinstatement request for a fifth straight day.

But ESPN's Wendy Nix reported from the Packers' training camp at 4 p.m. ET that Goodell is losing patience with the ongoing standoff between Favre and the Packers and is expected to reinstate Favre on Monday — a development that would force the Packers to either welcome back Favre to the team's 80-man roster, release him or trade him within 24 hours of the reinstatement. 

The Packers' $20 million offer to Favre to stay retired and take on a lifetime personal-services, marketing role with the team remains on the table, but ESPN's Ed Werder reported today that Favre appears to be leaning toward turning down the offer in favor of coming out of retirtement to resume his career.

There is speculation that Favre's fudging may be designed to drive up the deal to the $25 million range, but it appears more likely that Favre really has the "itch" back and is ready to let the chips fall where they may.

If Favre turns down the Packers' lifetime offer, look for greatly intensified trade talks by the Packers early this coming week, perhaps even with a division rival such as the Vikings or Bears as a last resort.