The Vikings open training camp in Mankato on July 29 and the Brett Favre saga will be decided by then, according to Dean Dalton.
“…I don’t think that Brad Childress will allow this to go past the start of training camp,” the former Vikings assistant coach told Sports Headliners. “There will have to be a decision made in the next six weeks.”
There’s been speculation that the 39-year-old quarterback has been stringing out the process of possibly playing with the Vikings to avoid the team’s spring practices and the extra time they demand. That theory took a hit on Sunday night when ESPN reported that Favre had surgery last month on his right shoulder.
Dalton spoke to Sports Headliners on Saturday and said this: “If he’s healthy I think he’d have been here for the practices. Not that he would have enjoyed it but I think he would have been there. …”
For some time Favre has reportedly been evaluating his right throwing arm and a tendon injury. Neither he nor agent Bus Cook seem to have determined whether he will resume a storied NFL career that includes 16 seasons with Green Bay, and one last year with the New York Jets.
Dalton, who remains close to the NFL scene including as a host for Sirus Satellite Radio, thinks a healthy Favre can still play and “would be a huge upgrade for this team” (the Vikings). Dalton emphasized how two years ago Favre led the Packers to a 13-3 record and last year had the Jets at 8-3 before his arm injury.
For Favre to come here, and Dalton believes he’s interested, the future hall of famer must convince himself and the Vikings that he’s physically healthy. The other aspect Dalton said will be whether Favre is “mentally ready” to compete in the fury of the NFL and join another new team (third system in three years to learn).