Reports: Favre Boards Plane to Minnesota, Close to Signing With Vikings

The on-again, off-again, on-again, off-again saga of Brett Favre and the Minnesota Vikings is apparently on. Again.

WISN-TV in Milwaukee is reporting that Favre has boarded a plane bound for the Twin Cities, and WCCO-TV in Minnesota is reporting that he will sign with the Vikings Tuesday. FanHouse's Calvin Watkins confirmed through a source that the contract will be a one-year deal for about $12 million, pending Favre passing his physical.

Favre, who turns 40 this fall, retired after the 2007 season, then changed his mind twice before finally deciding he wanted to play as training camp began in July of 2008. The Packers opted to trade Favre to the Jets, but only after he apparently called their bluff by showing up to training camp, intending to compete with Aaron Rodgers for the starting job.

After leading the Jets to an 8-3 start, Favre faltered, throwing just two touchdowns and nine interceptions in a 1-4 finish that kept the Jets outside the AFC playoff picture. After the season ended, Favre opted to retire, citing arm problems that would require surgery to repair.

As the offseason progressed, rumors began to fly about Favre unretiring for a second time, this time around to play for the Minnesota Vikings. The idea made some sense, as Favre's friends Brad Childress and Darrell Bevell are head coach and offensive coordinator, respectively, in Minnesota.

Favre never commented publicly on these rumors, but they began to gain some traction as Favre started working out in Mississippi. He appeared on Joe Buck's HBO show, said he was considering a comeback, and even went so far as to refer to the Vikings as "we."

The Vikings never set a deadline for Favre's potential arrival, leaving the whole decision up to the legendary quarterback. Favre called Childress July 28 to say he was staying retired, and Childress made it clear the team was going to move on.

Despite watching starter Sage Rosenfels complete 10 of 13 passes over two series in a preseason win Friday, the Vikings are prepared to welcome Favre with open arms.

In case you're curious, the Vikings host the Packers for a Monday Night game Oct. 5, then travel to Green Bay Nov. 1.