In a completely shocking trade last week, the New Orleans Saints sent Jimmy Graham to the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for Max Unger and a first-round pick.
When San Francisco 49ers’ general manager Trent Baalke was asked what his team might be able to do to prepare for Graham without linebacker Patrick Willis, he joked and offered this comment (via the team’s official website).
Not unless you can find a 6-6 safety. If you can find one of those, I’ll take him.
During his time as a member of the Saints, Graham played against the 49ers in each of his five seasons. Most recently, Graham pulled down 10 receptions for 76 yards and two scores against San Francisco last season.
Regarding the overall trade, Baalke had this to say.
He’s a heck of a talent. But to get a heck of a talent, they had to give up some stuff, too. They gave up a center that we personally didn’t like playing against a lot. He was an awfully good football player. But they gained an awfully good football player.
Baalke concluded by calling this an intriguing chess match. One where it would appear that his opponent has the upper hand.
You’re always looking at matchups. This is a matchup game now. So they made a move. If you’re playing chess, they just moved their rook. Right? Now we’ve got to make a move. What move will that be? I don’t know.
We all know there is no love lost when it comes to these two NFC West rivals. The departure of Willis coupled with the Seahawks’ addition of Graham would seem to have the advantage shifting Seattle’s way—until that 6’6″ safety mysteriously arrives in Santa Clara.
Photo: USA Today