Looks like the Vikings are ready to take the plunge. Just like the Jets did last year.

The 39-year-old quarterback, who announced his retirement from the Packers last year but returned to play with the Jets in 2008, is reportedly set to meet with Vikings officials about a possible return this season.

Only a week after securing his contractual release from the Jets , ESPN reported last night that Favre will meet with Vikings head coach Brad Childress later this week to discuss playing for Minnesota this season.

Favre had hoped to play with the Vikings last year, but the Packers blocked any such move by declining to trade him to Minnesota. As part of the trade to the Jets , the Packers stipulated that New York would surrender three first-round picks if Favre was traded to an NFC North team.

Sources familiar with the Jets situation told Newsday last week they did not expect Favre to resume playing, although they cautioned that Favre could always change his mind. Once the Jets drafted Mark Sanchez with the fifth overall pick, they decided to acquiesce to Favres request to be released.

Favre texted ESPN analyst and former NFL quarterback Trent Dilfer on Monday, replying to Dilfers question about whether hed play next season with a response of ?NO. (graph)

That could be about to change, although it is still possible Favre will decide to remain retired. He suffered a torn biceps late last season, tracing the injury to a precipitous decline that led to four losses in the Jets last five games. The Jets , who were 8-3 after road wins over New England and Tennessee, finished 9-7 and failed to make the playoffs.

Favre said he would not get surgery to correct the injury. Medical experts generally agreed that Favres arm strength would be adversely affected without surgery.

If Favre were to agree to play for the Vikings, he would participate in the teams off-season training program, as well as training camp. He joined the Jets last Aug. 6 after missing the entire off-season in Green Bay.

Childress, whose Vikings won the NFC North last year despite the quarterback struggles of Tarvaris Jackson and Gus Frerotte, traded for Texans backup Sage Rosenfels earlier this off-season. Rosenfels is expected to compete with Jackson for the starting job ? that is, unless Favre changes those plans.

Go ahead, fellas. Give it a whirl, coach Childress. If you think a 39-year-old quarterback with a damaged throwing arm is the answer to all that ails you, then we recommend you give it a shot.

But when it blows up in your face and you find your job security at risk, don't say we didn't warn you.

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