Jimmy Graham Rumors: Oakland Raiders Trade After New Orleans Saints Tight End Ruling? Drew Brees Expects Holdout as Atlanta Falcons, Green Bay Packers Options

Jul 03, 2014 11:51 AM EDT
Jimmy Graham
New Orleans Saints tight end Jimmy Graham celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the second half of their NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons."

Jimmy Graham is officially a tight end. Whether he likes it or not, four yards determined his salary and official position for the upcoming season. After fighting the franchise tag by the New Orleans Saints, the NFL ruled Graham a tight end over a receiver meaning he will be assigned a $7 million tag instead of a $12.3 million tag. With contract negotiations stopping and stalling, could another team make a run on Graham?

Graham is not thrilled and right now he is remaining silent over the NFL arbitrator's decision. The New Orleans Saints have until July 15 to sign their offensive star to a long-term contract. That appears highly unlikely to go well considering the state of things between the two sides right now. His options are slim, Graham does have options of how he can handle this.

Graham's next move could be to show up as late as possible which is Thursday before the first regular season game. He would sign the one-year tender and take the $7 million. It is more than he has earned in his first four years of his career. His other option is to not sign a long-term deal and win back the $5.3 million by appealing the ruling. Given that Graham has yet to file his appeal, the Saints can prepare for a holdout.

However, would another team be willing to make a move on the tight end in the meantime? Currently working on a non-exclusive franchise tender, any team would have to give up two first-round draft picks along with signing Graham to a long-term deal. The picks would come from the 2015 and 2016 draft. Yes, the team is a guaranteed star in Graham, but they lose the opportunity for quality young talent.

According to Mike Freeman of Bleacher Report, over "good half dozen teams" are considering making a run at Graham. The only team out of the running for Graham is the Buffalo Bills who traded their 2015 pick to the Cleveland Browns. So who could make a run at Graham via a trade?

Any team expecting to draft low in the first round next season could be an option. Someone like the Green Bay Packers would be a favorite after losing players like Jermichael Finley. The Atlanta Falcons would be wise to at least consider the move after losing Tony Gonzalez. The Cleveland Browns and Oakland Raiders are in the best spots to make a move considering they have the cap space to offer Graham a contract of his liking.

The chances someone really makes a move on Graham are slim to none. Most teams are prepping for the upcoming year with their current roster in place. Giving up two first-round draft picks is a big investment. Graham is simply expected to hold out and be forced into the one-year deal. 

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