The Green Bay Packers would like Ryan Grant back but they’re not going to make the veteran running back an offer before free agency opens March 13.

Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports that Grant will test the market first before the parties evaluate where things are at.

The 29-year-old Grant took a $1 million pay cut to remain with the Packers last season. He started 15 games but split time with James Starks, who didn’t come on quite like the team had hoped. Grant is a natural fit in Green Bay’s offense but the question is at what price? It could be the Packers want to let him explore the market and see where the money is before making him an offer.

“He will hit free agency,” Grant’s agent Alan Herman said. “But they gave us an indication they would like to have him back. I have to sit down with Ryan in the next few days and see what he wants to do. I haven't talked to him about it yet. I'm sure he's open to that (returning). On the other hand, being a free agent is enticing.

“Do I think he wants to come back? I think he's had great success there and probably does. But he has to consider what's out there, too.”

The Packers run a pass-heavy offensive system but they need two backs and if they don’t bring Grant back on a modest short-term deal they will need to find a reliable replacement who is adept at blitz pickup, among other things.

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Brad Biggs covers the Bears for the Chicago Tribune