It seems that Ryan Grant really does have other teams interested in acquiring his services, as ESPN Milwaukee reported earlier today that the Detroit Lions have offered the former Packers starting running back a contract, which Grant, who spent five seasons in Green Bay is strongly considering.
It was reported earlier this month that Grant received a contract offer from the New England Patriots, another report by KFFL.com, stated the Oakland Raiders have interest in him as well. Therefore, if the Packers have any interest in retaining his services for the 2012 NFL season, they will have to act swiftly.
One thing is for sure, Grant wants to be back in Green Bay and said so in the ESPN Milwaukee report:
“It’s definitely an option, and there’s definitely a good chance. Green Bay said that they want me back, and it’s just a matter of whether or not we can come to terms on something.I would love to come back. I think everyone knows that that’s my ideal situation.”
“I think that Green Bay is a phenomenal organization, the guys on the team and what we’ve built there in the last five years is something special. Coach (Mike) McCarthy and the rest of the coaches I think are doing a great job across the board. And the community, the fans are the best. So of course, I think everybody knows that I’m a Packer at heart and I do want to stay.”
“But that’s the business aspect of everything. I understand it, and I think both sides do. We’re just trying to move forward. And if we can work something out, that’d be awesome.”
Grant probably has more value to Green Bay than any other team and was actually very productive down the stretch last season, while James Starks was out due to injury. He finished the season with 559 yards on 134 carries for a 4.2 yard average and 3 total touchdowns. He also had his best year as a receiver, catching 19 passes for 268 yards and a 14.1 average.
In five seasons with the Packers, Grant ran for 4,016 yards, fifth-best in Franchise history, to go along with 25 touchdowns.
Green Bay likely would provide the best chance for Grant to start, as the only established player with any experience on the depth chart is Starks. The Patriots have two young promising runners in Shane Veeren and Stevan Ridley, however the two players have just 82 carries between them. Detroit on the other hand, brings back Kevin Smith, as well as Jahvid Best and Mikel Leshoure, who both are coming off season-ending injuries.
