The Texans didn’t call “retired” quarterback Brett Favre two weeks ago, after starting quarterback Matt Schaub suffered a season-ending foot injury. Now that backup Matt Leinart is feared to be lost for the season with an apparent broken collarbone, will the Texans call Favre?
Um, no.
Peter King of Sports Illustrated explained during Football Night In America that Texans G.M. Rick Smith doesn’t envision pursuing Favre. Smith said that the Texans likely won’t be interested. “I don’t want to bring the circus to town,” Smith told King.
Likewise, Favre told King via text message (no photos, please) that the future Hall of Famer isn’t interested in returning, for similar reasons. Favre also said that he hasn’t thrown a football in a month, which would make it harder for him to get ready to play.
That said, Smith didn’t completely slam the door on the possibility. And for good reason. The options currently are rookie T.J. Yates, veteran journeyman Kellen Clemens (Favre’s backup with the Jets in 2008), and whichever guy the Texans sign off the street this week. (They recently worked out 41-year-old Jeff Garcia.)
At some point, owner Bob McNair could give the order to try to make an upgrade. Or Smith and coach Gary Kubiak could decide that the time has come to welcome the circus to Houston, for fear of getting run out of town if the Texans collapse.
If the Texans were to consider making a run at Favre, they’d have to restructure some contracts, quickly. As of last Sunday, the Texans had only $1.9 million in salary cap space.