Ryan Grant has escalators in his contract that the Packers likely won't want to pay in 2011.
Grant has a roster bonus based on cumulative yardage that could add $2M or $4M to his pay in 2011. For example, if he rushes for 1,253 yards again in 2010, he'd be set to earn $5M in base salary, a $2M roster bonus and another $2M in bonuses he's already scheduled for. As beat writer Pete Dougherty points out, the Packers would probably work out a long-term deal, ask him to take a pay cut or release Grant before paying him $9M in 2011.
The Packers will not ask A.J. Hawk to take a pay cut, according to the inside linebacker's agent, Mike McCartney.
Hawk is set to earn $4.6 million in 2010 and play in timeshare with Brandon Chillar. But McCartney says he has spoken to Packers officials that have decided they want to pay for premium depth. The decision is a blow to the progress of Desmond Bishop, who is also looking for snaps at inside linebacker.
Packers beat writer Greg Bedard suggests that the team may ask CB Al Harris to push back his roster bonus, which is due in March.
The amount of the bonus is unknown, but the Packers may want to see how Harris' recovery from late-November ACL surgery goes before picking it up. Harris appears to be 50:50 to return to Green Bay. His status for training camp is also up in the air. Harris, 35, is due a $2.5 million salary in 2010.
Beat writer Pete Dougherty suggests that the Packers could bring back impending free agent RT Mark Tauscher as a backup.
Tauscher really stabilized the Packers' line in 2009 after joining the starting lineup in October. He's 32 and had two major knee surgeries, but he still could be the Packers' best option at right tackle. The Packers would be well served to sign him to a short-term deal while continuing to develop T.J. Lang and Breno Giacomini.
Packers GM Ted Thompson says he believes that T.J. Lang can play left tackle in the NFL.
Lang doesn't possess the length of your usual blind-side tackle and struggled badly against Jared Allen as a rookie. By saying this, Thompson may already be posturing for the draft. Finding a long-term left tackle needs to be a priority for Green Bay. Lang would better fit as a swing-type reserve.
The Packers are expected to extend FS Nick Collins the highest possible restricted free agent tender.
Collins is a pick machine and Pro Bowler, so GM Ted Thompson will make sure he doesn't get away. Because he earned over $3.45 million in 2009, though, the necessary 110% increase will bring his 2010 salary to $4.145M. The club could save some money by locking up the 26-year-old long term.
Packers GM Ted Thompson confirmed that the team will make a contract offer to free agent Aaron Kampman.
Kampman may still balk at the offer. He is better fit to play end in a 4-3 than strong-side linebacker in Green Bay's 3-4. Turning 31 next season, Kampman probably wants to max out on potentially his last NFL contract.
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