Jimmy Graham would certainly like to remain with the New Orleans Saints, but not under their terms. The tight end is set for free agency in the next month and after an excellent few years developing into one of Drew Brees' favorite targets has certainly raised his value on the market. Knowing Graham will receive plenty of attention if available, the Saints plan on using a franchise tag on Graham and he is not thrilled over the idea.
"I'm not keen on the franchise tag," Graham said, via the NFL.com. "That would be really unfortunate, but that is really all I have to say about that one. That's real unfortunate. If that happens, it doesn't really matter what I prefer."
The issue with the franchise tag is a difference in salary earned. The New Orleans Saints would have to decide whether to designate Graham as a wide receiver or tight end, a decision that could make a big different in the amount of money he receivers. Last season, a wide receiver franchise tag earned $10.5 million for the one season. A tight end was given $6 million. According to ESPN Stats and Information, Graham was used as a receiver on 67 percent of his snaps while 33 percent were as a tight end. However, the Saints would prefer to pay him a tight end's salary.
"Isn't that what we drafted him as? Isn't that what he made the Pro Bowl as?" General manager Mickey Loomis said. "That's what we see him as, a tight end. ... That's what makes him valuable."
Graham is New Orleans' biggest potential free agent and they cannot afford to lose him. In his for-year career, Graham has put up 3,863 yards and 41 touchdowns. He led the NFL with 16 touchdown catches this past season while continuing to be a game changer on the field for Brees.
Graham has been forced to watch tight ends like Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez sign long-term extensions. All three players were drafted the same year and Gronkowski and Hernandez received pay raises after two seasons. This will be a fight to finish for the Saints. Clearly, Graham will have no choice but to sign the franchise tag. Fans should expect a hold out if that were to happen.
