The debate of Jimmy Graham's true position on the field can be the deciding factor in a lot of money. The free-agent-to-be is preparing for a battle with the New Orleans Saints over his likely franchise tag options. Graham is too excited over getting tagged rather than receiving a contract extension, but he is even angrier over the claim that he is a tight end rather than a wide receiver, something Drew Brees is confirming.
The position tag for Graham is very important. Last season, a franchised wide receiver earned a one-year deal worth $10.5 million. A tight end on the hand earned a one-year deal worth $6 million. Graham certainly has an argument to being tagged as a receiver. He lined up as a receiver 67 percent of his snaps while only lining up as a tight end 33 percent of the time.
General manager Mickey Loomis notes that the New Orleans Saints drafted Graham as a tight end and that is what they intend to tag him as, no matter what. Quarterback Brees unknowingly threw his teammate under the bus, agreeing with Loomis that Graham was a tight end more than a receiver.
"He's a tight end," Brees said, via Erik Kuselias of NBC Sports Radio. "He's a tight end. We're able to do a lot of creative things with him, just like we're able to do with a lot of our offensive personnel. I feel like with Sean Payton, with our offensive system and we gear towards putting those guys in the best position to succeed according to their strengths. Jimmy Graham is six-seven, 270, he runs like a deer, he can jump and catch, he's so strong and physical, he plays with great fire and passion, he can play the line, he can split out."
Brees likely had no idea this comment went against Graham's argument. The tight end prefers to sign a long-term extension with the Saints, but negotiations have not gone well. After putting up 3,863 yards and 41 touchdowns in four years, Graham would like that big contract like Aaron Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski have both earned.
"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."
Unfortunately for Graham, he will not have the option when it comes to the franchise tag. The Saints are strapped for cash and might have to release a player or two just to make the tag work in their favor. ESPN.com brings up the idea that one of the three running backs could be let go in favor of Graham's future. After Mark Ingram came on strong and Darren Sproles continued to be a factor, Pierre Thomas could be the odd man out.
