The New Orleans Saints’ tight end Jimmy Graham has until July 15th to agree to terms with his team. If that doesn’t happen, he has the choice of either playing out the year under his $7.053 million franchise tag, or sitting out for the season.
.@AlbertBreer of the @nflnetwork believes that the @Saints will get a deal done with Jimmy Graham before the July 15th deadline #SXMNFL
— SiriusXM NFL Radio (@SiriusXMNFL) July 3, 2014
NFL’s “Around the League” expects Graham to work out a new contract with his team, but whether that can be completed by July 15 or later in the offseason is yet to be determined.
Beat writer, Jeff Duncan of the Times-Picayune, had this to comment regarding Graham’s status (via NFL.com).
It would be a shock if Graham’s agent, Jimmy Sexton, and Saints general manager Mickey Loomis don’t hammer out a long-term contract by the deadline.
Furthermore, NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport indicated that talks began at “ground zero” after the arbitration ruling that Graham will keep his designation as a tight end rather than a wide receiver. Even though Graham will not net top wide receiver pay, it appears that he will inevitably become the highest paid tight end in the NFL.
Perhaps Graham should start hanging out with this dude for some positive vibes.
Johnny Manziel "show me the money" celebration in his first game after being accused of taking $ for autographs. pic.twitter.com/GFFldvvC8f
— Phil Mondor near #1 (@PhilMondor1) September 7, 2013
Photo: NFL.com