Saints tight end Jimmy Graham earned the No. 1 spot on Around The League's top 25 free agents for 2014, but New Orleans isn't planning to let him test the market. General manager Mickey Loomis told reporters Tuesday at the Reese's Senior Bowl that the team will use its franchise tag on Graham if a long-term pact can't be struck, according to Sean Fazende of WVUE-TV. Loomis confirmed, per The Times-Picayune, that he views Graham as a tight end, not a wide receiver, saying: "This business about what position he is? I think he's a tight end. That's where we drafted him, that's where we play him. ... That's what makes him valuable." Source: NFL.com
I'm pretty sure he lines up as WR more often than TE. The tag difference is about $5 million or something.
Okay I don't get the entire "he's a WR.. no he's a TE" debate. Dude is a TE.. He can't get open like a WR, he isn't fast like a WR.. he is just a big ass TE with hands.. he also benefits from this offense. Not worth the "big" money yet, and I have a Graham jersey!
Wait Kurt, you say he isn't worth the big money???? Really? so let's suppose this is the NBA, and another team comes in and gives him a big ass contract (or MAx contract as we say in the NBA) would you be angry or mad if the Saints don't match that offer and let him go???
Facts about Jimmy Graham 1. beast against zones - 16 TD for 1200 yards attest to that 2. has only played football for a total of 5 years, 1 year college. 3. He isn't lacking talent, but his lack of overall experience is killing us in big games 4. can't beat man coverage/press coverage to save his life 5. plays soft (see 4) often times finding his ass on the ground when he should be blocking or running a route 6. Can't pass protect well 7. Can't run routes like a WR (see #2) 8. Can't run block well He isn't a complete TE and I'd rather get two 1st round picks for him if possible. Use those to draft a true number 1 WR and Center or Left Tackle - plus save all that SALARY CAP he's about to eat up to keep some of the guys we can't afford to keep. HOW IT ALL PLAYS OUT. Jimmy will fight for WR money - Saints will TAG him.. he will hold out in OTA, eventually getting paid. Saints will be strapped for cash, let go of about 6 starters to pay Jimmy.. we make it to the wild card game again but fail because our line is weak and our receivers (including Jimmy) can't separate at the line. Hence, we will have two running backs with more than 150 catches and a paltry 1400 yards, just like this year.
pretty good breakdown. Let's see if what he said earlier on is bullcrap or not. He said he wants to retire when Brees does because he don't want to have another qb throw him the ball. He will probably sign a three year deal for probably 7 million a year. Then, if he improves on his blocking and route running, he will be inline for a big payday. Just too many variables on a big contract.
Id love to see a three year 7 million deal.. but he'd only retire with Brees if he retires in umm 3 years
that is why free agency and the cap has ruined football. but that is how it is nowadays. If he stays, great. If not, same thing.
