POSTED 12:14 a.m. EST, March 30, 2006

PACKERS SPLIT ON WHETHER THEY WANT FAVRE

Although we've heard on multiple occasions that Packers quarterback Brett Favre has informed the team that he plans to play in 2006, we're now told that there is and has been a difference of opinion within management of the organization as to whether he should return.

For those in the front office and coaching staff who don't want Favre back for another season, the concern is that the fans would revolt if the team were to nudge him into retirement or, even worse, to another team.

We've heard that Favre isn't fond of G.M. Ted Thompson, and we have a feeling that Thompson wouldn't shed too many private tears if Favre were to pack up and leave.

Still, we think it's in the franchise's best interests for Favre to walk away. If they were a player or two away from contending for the Super Bowl, it would be different. As it stands, every year that Favre hangs around delays by one more year the team's ability to strip down and rebuild.

Why else do you think Thompson insists on banking all of that cap room? He can use some of it during the season to lock up young players who are producing at a high level, and he can carry the rest of it into 2007 through dummy LTBE incentives.