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Brett Favre apparently no longer wants to play in Green Bay and is prepared to play elsewhere — and elsewhere may include the New York Jets. Although the Buccaneers remain the most likely landing spot for the future Hall of Fame quarterback, the Jets have emerged as a contender in the Favre sweepstakes. Favre spoke directly to the Jets and Bucs Tuesday night, ESPN and the NFL Network reported.

That Favre spoke to the Jets represents a change of heart, one that could give Jets fans a glimmer of hope. Previously, it was thought he had no interest in talking to the Jets, whose interest in Favre hasn't wavered amid the many twists and turns in his "unretirement."

The Jets have maintained an ongoing dialogue with Favre's agent since July 25, the Daily News has reported. That was when they first received permission to speak with Favre. They also have had trade talks with the Packers. At one point, the Jets flirted with the idea of flying an entourage of team officials to Favre's home in Mississippi in an attempt to woo him.

This could turn out to be a giant tease if, as some suspect, Favre is using the Jets as leverage, hoping to stimulate the Bucs' interest. For many reasons, the Bucs probably are more appealing than the Jets. Coach Jon Gruden is a former Packers assistant and runs a similar style offense. The Bucs are dealing with an injury to quarterback Jeff Garcia (calf). Tampa Bay is closer to Favre's home. The Bucs also face the Packers this season, in Week 4, and that could be a motivating factor for Favre. No doubt, the Packers would prefer to trade him to the Jets, out of the NFC, but that also could mean less compensation in terms of a draft pick.

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