One of the big offseason moves the Seattle Seahawks completed in 2015 in order to get back to the Super Bowl was trading for Jimmy Graham. The tight end was expected to come and develop into Russell Wilson's new favorite target on the field and help propel the Seahawks back into the postseason and the championship game. However, that failed to happen as Graham struggled for most of the season and then ended the year on injured reserve. Now the debate is going as to whether or not Graham should return in 2016.
Graham is an interesting storyline this offseason as the tight end struggled all season averaging just 55.0 yards per game. He carries a $9 million salary cap hit next year, but none of the money is guaranteed. Releasing him would give the team $9 million in cap relief while allowing them to sign someone else that might be a better fit. Graham is currently rehabbing a ruptured patellar tendon suffered in Week 12 while the Seahawks do not believe releasing the tight end is going to fix their issues.
"No, I don't, I really don't," general manager John Schneider said during an interview with 950 KJR-AM. "I understand why people would say that based on the salary and what some people have ... people on the outside may perceive as a lack of production. But really, truly, the guy is a special player. We gave up a No. 1 draft choice for him. He's a great guy. He's going through a lot right now with his rehab, and he did nothing but give it his best since he came here."
Schneider could be hesitant to release Graham given what the team gave up to get him. It makes sense to use that $9 million elsewhere on the roster, but the team clearly feels they are better with him than without him. However, if things go south when trying to retain players like Bruce Irvin, Michael Bennett and Jermaine Kearse, the Seahawks might opt to free up cash and release Graham allowing him to be the target of a number of teams.
According to ESPN's Rich Cimini, if available, the Jets will chase Graham with a contract. The tight end was a major weakness for the Jets in 2015 and adding someone like Graham would really round out the rotation. The Atlanta Falcons could chase him. The team got by with Jacob Tamme, but Matt Ryan would love Graham on the field to throw to. The Oakland Raiders could also be an option as they have struggled with the position for the past few years.
If the Seahawks fail to retain Kearse, they have to retain Graham or their passing offense will be down to Tyler Lockett and Doug Baldwin. Seattle could try and sign a free agent like Travis Benjamin or Rishard Matthews for help, but Schneider might be right in saying Graham is the better option to stick around.