Grant deal inching closer

[RashanGary]

http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080528/PKR01/805280708/1058&referrer=NEWSFRONTCAROUSEL

Ryan Grant's contract talks hit a substantive stage late last week and left Grant's agent optimistic he and the Green Bay Packers can grind out a deal in the coming weeks.


Grant, the Packers' starting halfback, is in an unusual position in seeking a long-term deal, because though he's been out of college for three years, he's played only one season in the NFL and can't become an unrestricted free agent until 2011, when he'll be 28. But after almost single-handedly supplying the Packers with a respectable rushing game the second half of last season, Grant is looking for some financial security while in his prime.

His agent, Alan Herman, has said Grant won't sign the $370,000 minimum tender for a second-year pro. However, after a 1½-hour conversation with Packers negotiator Russ Ball late last week, Herman said the team is open to a long-term deal, though it will require major compromises by both sides. ****hmmm. . . the agent seems to get it*****

"The important issue is the club has indicated they're not big players in the free-agent market and they like to take care of their own," Herman said. "Ryan had truly an extraordinary year and it wasn't like he was a flash in the pan. He played 12 games, that's a lot of games, at the highest level. Clearly, they know what they have and that's why the opportunity to get something done and keep him there for a long time is kind of apparent."

[RashanGary]

No suprise that it's a long term deal. That's the only piece of leverage Grant has (other than not playing and ending his career before it starts). Some here said it would be 3 years. I really couldn't fathom the Packers doing that.

[RashanGary]

Re: Grant deal inching closer

"The important issue is the club has indicated they're not big players in the free-agent market and they like to take care of their own," Herman said. "Ryan had truly an extraordinary year and it wasn't like he was a flash in the pan. He played 12 games, that's a lot of games, at the highest level. Clearly, they know what they have and that's why the opportunity to get something done and keep him there for a long time is kind of apparent."

Notice the agent play up the teams benefit to signing Grant for a "long time". This is quite obviously a leverage pry. It makes sense. The Packers can have all of Grant's good years for a "three year early" price and Grant gets security for himself and his family rather than risking injury every game. Win/Win. It was the only way, whether people want to recognize it or not. I thought it was quite obvious that GRant wasn't going to walk in there, demand more money and not give up anything in return. He just didn't have that type of leverage.

[Zool]

Source please.

[vince]

Assuming Grant is realistic about his current value in the negotiations, this will be a big value signing (THE key to ultimate success in a salary-capped NFL) as Grant reaches his prime if it's for 4-5 years or more.

[The Leaper]

No suprise that it's a long term deal. That's the only piece of leverage Grant has (other than not playing and ending his career before it starts). Some here said it would be 3 years. I really couldn't fathom the Packers doing that.

I think most felt Grant might object to a long term deal...not the Packers. Due to his age, this could very well be Grant's only chance at a big payday unless he proves himself to be an elite player over the next 3 years.

[texaspackerbacker]

Unless you believe Grant is going to bomb out or get injured, 3 years is simply not enough. In three years, Grant will have another 2-4 good years left. He will be able to command a 5-8 year contract fior top dollar at that time--which means either we pay too much for too long or we lose him for half of his best years.

The smart thing is to sign him for at very least, 5 years, more likely, 6 or 7 now. By then, he will be like Ahman Green, and we can let him go/wish him luck at getting too much from somebody else.

[Zool]

Unless you believe Grant is going to bomb out or get injured, 3 years is simply not enough. In three years, Grant will have another 2-4 good years left. He will be able to command a 5-8 year contract fior top dollar at that time--which means either we pay too much for too long or we lose him for half of his best years.

The smart thing is to sign him for at very least, 5 years, more likely, 6 or 7 now. By then, he will be like Ahman Green, and we can let him go/wish him luck at getting too much from somebody else.

I agree with signing him for 4-5 now, but I dont think after a 3 year he would command anything near an 8 year deal. He's 25 already. RB's as a trend fade at 30.

[HarveyWallbangers]

Ahman Green commanded a big deal when he was approaching 30.

It will be at least 4 years. If Green Bay is going to boost his deal, they are going to want to buy out at least one year of FA--just like the Crew did with Ryan Braun. Win-win for both teams. Grant gets the security of good money--when Green Bay isn't obligated to pay him good money. Green Bay keeps a crucial player happy and buys out a year of FA.

[Zool]

Can you remember anything over 5 years for any RB?

[HarveyWallbangers]

Can you remember anything over 5 years for any RB?

Shaun Alexander got an 8-year deal. Of course, he was cut after 2-3 years.


I agree that 6-8 years is too much.

[CaliforniaCheez]

I don't think money is the big issue.

Length of the contract is the biggest issue. RB's are usually only good for about 4 years and then they fade. 3 years gets Grant right to free agency unless we have the uncapped year or big changes to the CBA.

The Packers can have Grant for cheap for most of those years.

Grant can't get a big guaranteed money deal. He has to compromise on incentives in the deal.

Somehow I think it will be close to a minimum deal for 4 years with some easy incentives (45 man game day roster, starting games, etc.) and a work out bonus.

There will be some big money incentives that increase based on performance. 800 yards rushing, 1200 yards rushing, 1500 yards rushing, 2000 yards, 500 yards receiving, 1000 yards receiving, etc.

There will be some for league MVP and Super Bowl MVP and other things that the agent can then brag the deal could be worth up to _____ million dollars.

Such a deal would keep Grant from getting cut if he becomes a bust (due to injury or whatever reason) and allows him to make some money if he performs well.

If they spent 90 minutes negotiating some progress was made without visible signs of it. They both know the parameters.

My guess is that the Packers are compromising the most. The Packers could have not listened or discussed anything until July 15th. The fact that they are talking now is a good sign.

It will be interesting to see how the new negotiator does.

If talks break off it will be because Grant's agent is pushing too hard for too much.

[texaspackerbacker]

Can you remember anything over 5 years for any RB?

Emmitt Smith got 8 years when he was way too old to get that much.

True, Ahman Green "commanded" big money at an advanced age, but fortunately, he didn't get it from the Packers.

Grant may be 25 already, but he has less "mileage" than most 25 year old RBs. I think barring injuries, his prime years should last until 31 or 32.

[Tarlam!]

What Tex said.

Sign the guy long term. He was there when Wynn, Jackson and Co. folded. He was as big a part of 13-3 as Favre.

Don't fuck with it TT, just give him his money.

[Pack-man]

What Tex said.

Sign the guy long term. He was there when Wynn, Jackson and Co. folded. He was as big a part of 13-3 as Favre.

Don't fuck with it TT, just give him his money.

I agree with you guys, but that's not the TT way. He is pretty stingy with the Packs money. He's gotta figure I found Ryan Grant on the scrap heap, RB's are a dime a dozen. Can't see Grant breaking the bank in GB.