Brett Thompson

With the off-season upon us, Ryan Grant will take part in all the team’s activities but for him to come to training camp the Green Bay Packers will need to hand over some cash. Don’t expect him to sign for the NFL minimum for a second year pro.

His agent, Alan Herman, said Grant will not sign the $370,000 minimum tender for an exclusive-rights player who has only one accrued season in the NFL.

“I’m optimistic we’re going to move along here and get something done,” Herman said Wednesday. “Nothing has begun in terms of the process. But listening to everything that’s coming out of Green Bay in terms of the club taking care of their own, I’m optimistic, and that’s why Ryan is there at this point. He’s participating in the off-season program and we’re looking forward to — let me put it this way, it’s the golden opportunity for the Packers and Ryan Grant to get together on something that will keep him there for the rest of his career.”

Last season Grant showed us all how valuable he really is becoming one of the NFL’s top running backs, rushing for 956 yards and 8 TD’s while helping the Packers to the NFC Conference Finals.

Grant has the leverage of withholding his services, which would be a major blow to the Packers offense, but the Packers need him in the lineup more than ever to take some pressure off new starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Financially the Packers are in excellent position for a deal because they’re about $25 million under the cap now and will be more than $35 million under after Brett Favre turns in his retirement papers, which remains to be seen, but that’s another story.

What will be tough for the Packers is what kind of deal will they offer Ryan, this is only his first year. Not too many players are in this position to seek a new deal.As a base, Seattle signed Julius Jones to a four-year deal worth $12 million that includes $5.5 million in bonuses and salary this year. Julius was an unrestricted free agent, but Grant was far more productive.

I foresee Grant getting what he’s asking, however the term might not be as long as he might want. Overall it will be a win/win situation for both sides.

Cheers,Brett

Brett Thompson

Farve will address the media today at 12pmEST. You can watch it live at www.packers.com 

I still find this a little bizarre for him to be announcing his retirement; maybe with this press conference today he will shed a little light on the situation, or just make us more confused. 

Brett

Brett Thompson

Brett Favre has finally decided to retire after 17 seasons in the NFL. The decision was made Monday night according to Favres’ agent.

There were many rumors over the last 2 weeks of his intentions but nothing was made mentioned for both sides till today.  Favre leaves the game and to be a sure fit to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The three-time MVP with one Super Bowl title holds the all-time records for wins, passing yards, touchdowns and consecutive games started. He finished his career with 61,665 passing yards and 442 touchdowns.

With all that being said I have to agree with Dave Carsley’s blog that Favre could be playing us here. After a career year last season and with a young team that has shown a great deal of upside he should be motivated to return.

Packers will have a press conference at 3pm CT today; however Brett Favre will not be at the press conference to put more doubt about his retirement.

I will have more on this later,

Brett