GREEN BAY, Wis. — As it turns out, Brett Favre might get a chance to play for one of the Green Bay Packers' divisional rivals . . . one from seven years ago.

The Tampa Tribune reported late yesterday that a trade for Brett Favre between the Packers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers was likely to be finalized sometime today after Favre told Tampa directly that he would not stand in the way of a deal.

A source close to Favre told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that although Favre's trade to Tampa Bay was not yet completed, the signs were definitely pointed in that direction.

The Journal Sentinel, through league sources, learned that Favre did give his blessing to a trade to Tampa Bay directly. However, a deal between the Packers and Buccaneers has not been finalized. The teams still have to agree on compensation, which could prove to be a sticking point today. The sources were also under the impression that the New York Jets were not out of the running for Favre's services.

Favre is said to be stressed out by the entire situation, including seeing about 100 fans and reporters camped out on his doorstep, and is ready for it to be over. His wife, Deanna, also gave her approval for a trade to Tampa Bay, according to multiple sources.

Before his trip to Green Bay, Favre was unwilling to talk to either the Buccaneers or Jets about their interest in trading for him, even though the Packers had given them their permission.

But since his lengthy meetings with both coach Mike McCarthy and general manager Ted Thompson, Favre has realized that his preferred methods of re-entry into the league from retirement — starting for the Packers or being given his outright release — have little chance of happening.

A four-person Packers contingent, including team President Mark Murphy and general manager Ted Thompson, went to Favre's house in the afternoon to sell Favre, his wife and agent James "Bus" Cook on the idea of a trade.

Although the Packers would prefer Favre play in the American Football Conference, the Buccaneers would be palatable to both sides.

The Buccaneers, Green Bay's NFC Central rivals from 1977-2001, were 9-7 last season and won the NFC South to advance to the playoffs, so they fit Favre's criteria of being a team that has a chance to go far into the playoffs.

Tampa Bay has some solid weapons on offense — running back Earnest Graham, wide receivers Joey Galloway, Ike Hilliard and Michael Clayton, and tight end Alex Smith — and the West Coast system employed by coach Jon Gruden should be adaptable to Favre's strengths. Favre is also familiar with Gruden, who was an offensive assistant in Green Bay from 1992-'94.

The Buccaneers have plenty of room beneath the salary cap to absorb Favre's $12 million salary and aren't afraid to deal, so the Packers should find them a willing trade partner.

The specter of Favre taking the field against the Packers in a Week 4 game between the teams at Tampa Bay might be difficult for Packers fans (if the Packers and Buccaneers finish in the same place in their respective divisions, another meeting in Tampa would happen in 2009). So might a possible post-season game. But Packers players said they could deal with it.

"It wouldn't be any different than playing any other quarterback," cornerback Charles Woodson said. "Our main focus is to go out and win a game. He's seen us as a defense, we've seen him as a quarterback and our focus down there would be to get after him. It wouldn't change in that regard. It would just be much different seeing him in another uniform."

A trade to Tampa could also work out for Packers because at least one of their quarterbacks would likely be cut to make room for Favre. Jeff Garcia, Luke McCown, Brian Griese and Chris Simms could all be of interest to the Packers.

The Jets have had interest in Favre for some time. They have had conversations with Cook, but it is not known whether Favre has spoken to the Jets.