Favre to New York not the right answer for Jets

Judge: Jets not better with Favre

Now that Brett Favre is on his way to the Big Apple to play for the New York Jets, I have one question:

Do the Jets really think they are so close to winning that a 38-year-old quarterback, whose last pass with the Green Bay Packers went into the stomach of one of the Jets' crosstown rival corners with the Giants, will get them to a Super Bowl?

With or without Favre, the Jets are not better than the Patriots. With Favre, they might not be better than the Bills.

Last time I glanced at those 2007 standings, the Jets went 4-12. Playoffs? How about .500 season first?

Here's why the deal to acquire Favre was made by the Jets: General manager Mike Tannenbaum and coach Eric Mangini are under fire. If they don't win this season, they could be out.

Would you hitch your career wagon to a 38-year-old passer well past his prime? I wouldn't.

I know what the Jets fans and their front office are probably thinking. They've grown tired of lollipop arm Chad Pennington and scatter-armed young quarterback Kellen Clemens. Two weeks into training camp and Mangini probably sees his career going up in flames quicker than it takes one of Pennington's passes to come out of orbit.

The Jets reportedly will trade a draft pick for Favre, one that would become a first-round pick if New York can reach the Super Bowl.

In the weeks during the Favre saga in Green Bay, I've constantly preached one important thing, which is that the personnel man that gives up a first-round pick for a 38-year-old passer should have his decision-making powers stripped on the spot.

The Jets haven't given up a first-round pick, but it could work toward that. Even giving up a second-round pick is simply too much for a 38-year-old quarterback.

Tannenbaum once fetched coffee as an intern in New Orleans. He might be wise to polish up on that Starbucks menu.

Jets record with Chad Pennington: 8-8 at best. Jets record with Brett Favre: 8-8 at best.

See any reason for the deal? At least now Jimmy Hoffa, allegedly buried in the end zone at Giants Stadium, will have someone to talk to in his own age bracket.

"I am looking forward to seeing Brett Favre in a New York Jets uniform," said Jets Chairman & CEO Woody Johnson in a statement released by the team.

I'm not. It will be like seeing Joe Namath in that Los Angeles Rams uniform. Or Johnny U in the San Diego Chargers colors.

At 38 years old, Brett Favre is past his prime. (Getty Images)

Favre was once a great player. He was a league icon. Now he's just the old gunslinger trying to still be relevant.

"He represents a significant addition to this franchise, and reflects our commitment to putting the best possible product on the field," Johnson said in the statement. "Mike Tannenbaum and his football administration staff did a great job of navigating this complex process. I am excited about welcoming Brett, Deanna and their family to the Jets organization."

In the last three seasons, Favre has thrown 66 touchdown passes, including 28 last season. That's pretty good. But everybody has conveniently decided to forget that he threw 60 interceptions in those three seasons.

He had a 95.7 passer rating in 2007. In the two seasons before that he was 70.9 and 72.7, the lowest and third-lowest ratings of his 17-year career.

Favre's skills are eroding. The fastball that would make it into tight quarters doesn't get to the receivers as fast. Somehow the magical season of 2007 washed away the stink of 2005 and 2006. In eight playoff games in this decade, he's 3-5. In those eight games, he threw 13 touchdown passes -- and 16 interceptions.

It's been a long time since he's been Mr. January.

The Jets have an improved offensive line with the additions of guard Alan Faneca and tackle Damien Woody, so maybe Tannenbaum and Mangini think adding Favre will take the offense over the top.

Many in the media will think so. They love Favre. He can do no wrong. When he was moaning and groaning his way out of Green Bay, he received a free pass from the media. If he were Chad Johnson or Terrell Owens or many of the league's other players, he would have been seared. Instead, a certain 24-hour sports network forgot there were any other players in the league.

This just in: Brett had fish for dinner and they're reporting his breath wasn't so good.

Once Favre gets to New York, it will be even worse.

They say if you can make it in New York you can make it anywhere. Namath basked in the spotlight. Others wilt in it.

Favre played in a fishbowl in Green Bay, but it was a small one. Now the aquarium is much bigger, the audience much greater, the scrutiny much heavier.

Here's a bet that by midseason the Jets fans will be screaming this loudly from the stands: You're a washed up bum, Favre. That's New York-ese, by the way.

Because of this strange move, if I were Mangini and Tannenbaum, I'd think about doing something with the same name as one of those Broadway shows.

It's called Rent.

Two more words on why this deal makes no sense: Tom Brady. The Jets have no chance to beat out the Patriots in the AFC East, with or without Favre, which is why this is a bad deal.