Packers RB Grant sits out minicamp

It isn't exactly a contract holdout, but Green Bay Packers running back Ryan Grant sat out Tuesday morning's mandatory minicamp practice as he and the team continue to work on a new deal.

[Fusion2k5]

Dear lord just pay the man! We got kids coming out of school being paid millions in guaranteed money and we can't give Grant a decent contract with a great year under his belt and all this cap space? We know what he's capable of so pay him!

[Proball5]

Wait a minute, didn't RG sign a 2M, 3 year deal last fall, he should know better than try to negotiate with 2 years left on his contract, TT will bend with 1 year left, but it will be unusual if he gets a new deal now. TT gave up a 6th round pick for him, so he feels he paid quite a bit for a RB that had a great year the last 10 games? Besides who on the team has gotten a new deal with two years left and went on to star? Even AG went down hill after he got the big money. Don't get me wrong, I like RG, I just think he's asking a year too early for his payday. Show us you are not a one year wonder.

[normallylikeyell ow]

His whole contract is worth 1.4 million for the 3 years. He outperformed his $ 310,000 minimum salary in my humble opinion. TT has upgraded contracts before for Al Harris, Tauscher et al. Nothing unprecedented here. You could look at it another way: he could sit out a year and walk he'll make more than the $830,000 he would get from us and then what did you get for the 6th round pick? He hasn't taken the pounding a normal 26-yr-old back has, so you've got a wiser player with fresh legs. Jackson made just over a million last season. I guess I am missing where he, Wynn, Morency and Herron have outplayed this guy that we can be so cavalier? They know he's better than those guys. That's why they are negotiating with him. Willie Parker was in the same place with the Steelers. Patience, Fusion, his agent isn't Drew Rosenhaus. It will get done.

[Proball5]

Al Harris and Tauscher had more than 10 games with the Pack. I believe he entered the Denver game in the second quarter. Who is being cavalier? You said it yourself, we are negotiating. You know Grant will get more than the 310,000.00 he made last year, TT is probably just working on incentive bonuses. Do you remember what happened when we gave Cledius Hunt the big money?
Don't get me wrong, I like RG, I just think they are going about it the wrong way.

[Proball5]

Here you go NLY, PFT expains my possition pretty well;
Packers running back Ryan Grant is an exclusive-rights free agent, which means that his options in 2008 are to play for the Packers or play for no one.

But until he signs his exclusive-rights tender, he is not under contract, and thus not required to attend any team activities.

Still, Grant has been present for voluntary workouts, and he is attending a mandatory minicamp. At the minicamp, Grant is participating in individual drills, and avoiding team drills.

The AP item regarding the situation leads by saying that “[i]t isn’t exactly a holdout”($12.50). Actually, it’s not inexactly or generally or directly or indirectly a holdout. It’s simply not a holdout, to the extent that the term “holdout” implies that the player has a contractual obligation to be present.(But we realize that some interpret the term “holdout” to mean a guy is “holding out” for more money, regarding of whether he already has a deal in place.)

It’s actually unprecedented, in our recollection, that a non-rookie without a contract would be so visible during offseason practice. First-year draft picks routinely participate during the offseason even though most of them won’t sign contracts until July. But veterans who are unsigned usually stay completely away from camp.

In Grant’s case, we think his presence is driven by a combined desire to generate goodwill, and to avoid the “out of sight, out of mind” mentality that could prompt the team to decide to give the starting job to someone else.

Grant had a solid season in 2007, but there are many running backs who can move the chains with adequate blocking.(A passing game led by a Hall of Fame quarterback and a very underrated corps of primarily young receivers didn’t hurt last year, either.)

Grant would like to parlay his solid season into a long-term deal, but the Packers are under no obligation to do so. It’s a function of the system. Undrafted players who sign one-year deals have no leverage until they have accrued three NFL seasons. The most that Grant can do is show up during Week Ten, sign the tender, and then qualify for restricted free agency in 2009.

If he wants that big-money payday, his smartest move is to sign the tender and get to work. Eventually, other running backs will emerge, and Grant consequently might lose his chance to persuade the Packers and/or other teams that he’s worth the kind of cash that he’s seeking.

[eric]

If reports are correct and Brandon Jackson has packed on some muscle and is quicker and showed off season dedication,Noah Harron is healthy and Wynn grewup,then Grant might be wise to join in on the fun,hell if TT found Grant,,who says it cant happen again? Grant is good,maybe very good,but certainly not sensational to any extent and can be replaced if need be.

[normallylikeyell ow]

Why'd you take down my post this morning? There was nothing taboo in it. Whatever, have the last word... This is mine.

[eric]

NLY dont split yet its just getting started.

[Proball5]

normallylikeyellow wrote:

Why'd you take down my post this morning? There was nothing taboo in it. Whatever, have the last word... This is mine.

Who took down your post??

[normallylikeyell ow]

You tell me. It was up for 2 hours and then vanished... Made me mighty angry. Nothing in it but facts and (no doubt) disputable logic. I like you guys, but that was horse------dung.:-)

[Proball5]

normallylikeyellow wrote:

You tell me. It was up for 2 hours and then vanished... Made me mighty angry. Nothing in it but facts and (no doubt) disputable logic. I like you guys, but that was horse------dung.:-)

I have no idea what you are talking about, run it again and see if it stays.

[Proball5]

The Associated Press reports the Green Bay Packers have shown interest in free-agent RB Kevin Jones (Lions).

http://www.kffl.com/team/17/nfl

Because of the Ryan Grant situation?? Come on Eric, chime in on this one.

[eric]

I dont know Proball!! Kevin Jones didnt put up great numbers in Detroit,but he proven to be a good back,and perhaps on grass ( less punishment) he can get a few good years out of him.
Grant has had a great year as we all know,and he is a reminder of Dorcey Levins to edgar Bennett ( backs coach) but 1 good year? look at Javon Walker i know hes a receiver,but he had 1 great year,we traded him,. and he hasnt had a great year since,hes degressed abit.

Sounds weird doesnt it....i emagine Ted doesnt want to pay a big salery to a mid 20 RB after 1 good year,or maybe Grant is out of his mind about what he wants......but,,,Kevin Jones should come relitively cheap,so if Grant doesnt want to sign,,trade him off,get something after a great season and his trade value is somewhat high,and give Jones a shot.

[Matt]

Don't sweat it. Pack is not interested in anyone else's RB, they have what they need even if Grant does not play, but he will.