At a time when plenty of NFL observers wonder whether quarterback Brett Favre could un-retire and re-join the Packers, we’d be willing to wager that there’s a far greater chance that Giants defensive end Michael Strahan will un-retire and re-join the Giants.

For Favre, the analysis was simple:  “Do I want to do it again?” 

For Strahan, the question is more complex:  “Will they pay me enough to make me want to do it again?”

As of Monday, the Giants hadn’t caved to Strahan’s reported request for an $8 million salary in 2008.  But nothing prevents the team from changing its mind today, tomorrow, or on September 1.

And so Strahan can avoid training camp without incurring daily fines in excess of $15,000, and he can wait for the phone to ring and for the person on the other end of the line to offer him $8 million if he comes back.

By then, of course, Strahan’s price could be $9 million.  Or more.

We’re not reporting anything in this regard, and we’ve heard nothing to support our suspicions in this regard.  But we’ve surveyed many of the headlines regarding Strahan’s decision to retire, and we’re amazed that more folks haven’t realized that this could simply be Strahan’s first call of “check” in a rematch of last year’s game of chess with the team’s front office.