Should Brett Favre make his decision sooner than later? The talks of Favre retiring have died down the past couple of weeks, but they are starting to grow again as the legendary quarterback was due a $3 million roster bonus by the team this weekend. The media was reporting that if Favre didn't announce he would be returning for sure, then the Packers would cut him. Favre was not pleased by this report, because he had not heard about it from the team himself.

Even if the Packers would cut Favre though, would it be the right decision, regardless of his legacy?

There's no question about it: Brett Favre is one of the most popular players in NFL history and means a lot to the Packers' fans. If he returns next year, that's fine. That's the problem though, the Packers simply do not know. Yes, ideally, the Packers have the young Aaron Rodgers waiting in the trenches, but it is not that simple. If Rodgers is going to be the team's starting quarterback, it's very important that the team knows before the draft. Favre's decision has to come soon, because as much as he is weighing his options, he has to realize that the Packers' organization does not want to be behind the other 31 teams in the NFL when the draft comes.

If the Packers continue to be preoccupied by whether or not Favre will retire, the progress of the team's development will slow down. Favre has made it clear that if he returns, he wants to contend, as any quarterback will. That means the Packers will have to find offensive help for Favre, especially in the early rounds of the draft. Donald Driver, Robert Ferguson and Javon Walker will all be returning for the Packers, as will running backs Ahman Green and Najeh Davenport. The question is, can they remain healthy? The Packers did not sign anyone significant on offense in free agency, and why would they if they feel they can't contend this year?

Ultimately though, Favre realizes that the decision is solely up to him. "If I don't tell them by Saturday, what will they do, cut me?" said Favre. He's right, too. There is no way the Packers will have the guts to cut Favre after all he has done for their organization and their city. On the same note, there is no way he will be a backup is he announces that he will be returning. Favre wants to be competitive, and the main thing preventing him from returning is the team's embarrassing 4-12 record last year.

"Last season, expectations were high and it was a bad situation," Favre said. "If we can't compete at a high level, I can walk away and my legacy will speak for itself."

Many people feel that Favre should hang it up, and not live through another humiliating season. You know what I saw last year? I saw a man who was dying to win and carry the team himself due to a ridiculous amount of injuries to the team. The potential is clearly still there, especially since the Vikings are taking a risk with Brad Johnson at quarterback and the Detroit Lions are starting fresh. I believe that Favre will have the supporting cast this year to contend for most of the season, even if they do not make the playoffs. Although when you speak of Favre, it's not too easy to say you'd like to see him retire. The legacy shall live on.