While the Brett Favre headlines have dominated the Green Bay Packers headlines the last few weeks, regular Zoneblitz reader “The Gun” reminded us that the team is also dealing with another potential hornet’s nest in the holdout of exclusive rights free agent running back Ryan Grant.

Grant, according to the La Crosse Tribune, is “livid” over the Packers’ contract offer that reportedly included only $1.75 million in guaranteed money for a six-year contract.

“It’s a joke, an absolute joke,” agent Alan Herman told the Tribune Sunday night.
“It’s insulting. I don’t believe it. Ryan’s feelings about the Green Bay Packers at this point are not very good. He is livid. He is very angry.”

In Grant’s favor is the second half of the 2007 season when he got a chance to start and he breathed life into what had been an invisible running game. He ended up with 956 yards and eight touchdowns, all of which came starting in week 10. Pro-rated, that would have made for a helluva season.

He also had a phenomenal 201 yard, three touchdown game against Seattle in the divisional playoff game last season, though he fumbled twice early in the contest. His rushing totals from week eight on were second only to LaDainian Tomlinson.

On the other hand, how many guys have had great games or great half-seasons and then disappeared after hitting the big payday? One can expect that if the Packers do line up with Aaron Rodgers as their starting quarterback that defenses will key on Grant and force the first-time starter to beat them through the air. The 2008 season is likely to be a much better gauge of how good he is.

Grant’s agent, Herman, wouldn’t tell the Tribune what he was asking for, but the paper said it’s in the range of $5 million guaranteed with raises tied to incentive-based clauses.

While Grant likely isn’t as good as the second half of the season he’s also likely the best the Packers have to offer this season. What else are they going to do? Trot Brandon Jackson or Vernand Morency back out there after their midling-at-best work last year?

Grant would likely be solid and the team is best off not irreparably harming the relationship. Herman, at this point, called the Packers’ position “abusive” and said “there’s nothing to negotiate.” At this point, the running back the Pack acquired from the New York Giants for a sixth round pick reportedly has no plans to report to camp.

Not a good start to 2008 for the Green and Gold so far.