Greg Bailey WCNC Sports Director

The scouting report on Panthers GM Marty Hurney says his speed is "average" for his position. And in the last few years he's lost a step or maybe even two.

Yet Hurney has been blazing as he has runs away from rumors that Brett Favre is a target in Carolina. First, Hurney denied Internet rumors that Carolina was interested in Favre. Next, Hurney went out of his way to endorse Jake Delhomme as his quarterback and his team leader. Aside from talking about a player under contract with another team (which Hurney really can't do) that's about as strong as it gets.

Hurney recognizes a few things here, and they all start with his locker room. Some fans might love the idea of Favre in a Panthers uniform, but Hurney knows better. Jake is Carolina's leader and their quarterback. Mess with that at your own peril. Second, Hurney recognizes Favre for exactly what he is at this stage in his Hall of Fame career: a great quarterback, but only on a great team. Favre devolved into an uninterested slinger when Green Bay struggled the last few years. (29 interceptions in 2005!) Only last season, when the Pack rolled to 13 wins, did Favre look like he cared again on every snap. As soon as things get tough, and they will here in Carolina at some point this season, where is Favre's commitment?

Green Bay knows Brett Favre better than anybody else. And they are doing everything in their power to keep him out of a Packers uniform this year. How does this make sense for Carolina? It doesn't. Marty Hurney knows it and he's said so.

What could change all this? Jake Delhomme blowing out his elbow early in training camp.

If Favre doesn't play in Green Bay this year, but does return to the NFL, look at Tampa and Minnesota. Today's reports from the St. Petersburg Times say Bucs GM Bruce Allen has asked Tampa quarterback Chris Simms how long it would take Favre to learn Tampa's offense. That's a lead worth pursuing.

Survey: Should the Panthers pursue Favre?

---