Want some rather shocking news during the first day of NFL free agency? NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport is reporting that the New Orleans Saints are currently shopping star tight end Jimmy Graham.
The #Saints have called around, open to shopping many of their players, source say. One notable player included: TE Jimmy Graham. For real.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 10, 2015
Currently stuck in salary cap hell, the Saints are attempting to find a way to remain viable moving forward. Graham, a three-time Pro Bowler, is set to count $11 million against the cap in 2015 and has a $16.9 million dead cap hit. He just signed a four-year $40 million extension with the Saints back in July of 2014.
The former third-round pick is coming off a 2014 campaign that saw him record 85 receptions for 889 yards and 10 scores. He’s averaging nearly 90 receptions and about 11 touchdowns per season since the start of the 2011 campaign.
If the Saints are indeed serious about moving Graham, there will be no shortage of interest from teams around the NFL. Outside of Rob Gronkowski, he’s seen as the best tight end in the league today.
Update: Fox Sports insider Jay Glazer is reporting that the Saints and Seahawks are attempting to finalize a deal that would send Jimmy Graham and a fourth-round pick to Seattle in exchange for Max Unger and the Seahawks first-round pick.
The Saints and Seahawks are trying to finalize trade Jimmy Graham and a 4th rounder for Max Unger and Seattle first rounder
— Jay Glazer (@JayGlazer) March 10, 2015
Photo: USA Today