The future Hall of Fame quarterback was granted his release from the New York Jets, causing immediate talk that he isn't done playing and will end up in Minnesota.

You'll recall last offseason the Vikings went through this dance after the Green Bay Packers decided they did not want Favre to end his first retirement. The Packers charged the Vikings with tampering -- Minnesota was eventually cleared -- and refused to grant Favre his release because Green Bay did not want him jumping to its archrival in the NFC North.

The end between the Packers and Favre was not pretty and eventually he was traded to the New York Jets for what turned out to be a third-round

pick. A clause in the deal also mandated the Jets send three first-round picks to the Packers if they traded Favre to an NFC North team.

This all appeared to be over when Favre decided to once again retire last February. But now that there appears a possibility Favre will attempt to return there will be nothing to stop the Vikings from signing him if they so desire.

Favre was let go from the Jets reserve/retired list and is now free to sign with any team he wants. That includes the Vikings.

There are many who think the Vikings would be crazy not to pursue Favre, given the state of their quarterback situation. Minnesota appears to have a potent offense with Pro Bowl running back Adrian Peterson, wide receiver Bernard Berrian and first-round receiver Percy Harvin.

But question marks surround Tarvaris Jackson and Sage Rosenfels, who are expected to battle for the quarterback job in training camp. Favre could solve that problem. The key word -- could. The issue with Favre is that he had a torn right biceps that affected him last season and played a role in the Jets' 1-4 finish.

It's unknown if Favre had surgery or what type of shape he is in during what has become a "rest period" for him throughout his recent years. But Favre is good friends with Vikings offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell and knows coach Brad Childress and, because he's now a free agent, there is nothing that would stop Minnesota officials from finding out.