Consider it far more than speculation now.

According to reports, coach Brad Childress met with Favre to discuss the possibility of the future Hall of Famer signing with Minnesota.

The Vikings and the Favre camp remained mum on the subject, but it would not be a surprise if the once unlikely scenario became reality.

Favre wanted to play for the Vikings last summer after he decided he had made a mistake by retiring from the Green Bay Packers in March 2008. The Packers did not want Favre back and he then attempted to force his way to Minnesota.

It did not work and the Packers eventually traded Favre to the New York Jets in what proved to be an ugly divorce. But with the Jets trading up in the first round of the draft last month to select quarterback Mark Sanchez, there was no reason for the team to hang onto Favre's rights.

Thus, they granted him his release and the opportunity to sign with the Vikings -- provided he really wants to end his retirement again.

The Vikings are an ideal fit for Favre for a variety of reasons, including the fact he is good friends with offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell. Bevell served as Favre's position coach in Green Bay from 2003-05. Favre also is very familiar with the Vikings' offense because the Packers ran a similar West Coast version under former coaches Mike Holmgren and Mike Sherman.

It doesn't hurt that the Vikings have offensive talent like Pro Bowl running back Adrian Peterson and wide receivers Bernard Berrian and Percy Harvin, the team's first-round choice in the draft.

One key in Favre's mind also would be the opportunity to face the Packers twice a season. Favre has no love for Packers general manager Ted Thompson and could get his chance at revenge.

"This is a perfect opportunity for him to not only come back," former Packers and Vikings safety Darren Sharper told ESPN, "but also to put a foot in Ted Thompson's rear."