Jimmy Graham had the franchise tag placed on him by the New Orleans Saints instead of a long term deal being worked out, and Graham's now fighting for about $5 million more than the Saints planned on doling out. While Graham's nominally a tight end, he spent more time split out wide or in the slot as a wide receiver than he did on the line.
Because of this, he wants that franchise tag to be the average of the top five wide receiver salaries instead of tight ends. San Francisco 49ers tight end Vernon Davis, a similarly deployed threat and another player seeking a few extra sheckles has added his two cents on the matter.
"He's just a wonderful presence. He's a great player. He has a lot of potential to go above and beyond and just go further. He is one of those guys that is a part of that TE position that are changing the game -- Antonio Gates, Jimmy Graham, [Rob] Gronkowski," Davis said.
"Those guys are some fantastic players. If it was me, if I was the owner of the team, I would give the kid everything he wants because he's that."
Those statements are reserved, but when prodded specifically about the wide receiver designation Davis sided with Graham. "If you're a guy who's catching a lot of passes and you possess some of the traits that wide receivers have, then yes, I agree. I think that he should get paid like a wide receiver."
Graham certainly performs like a No. 1 receiver. In 11 starts last year Graham caught 86 passes for 1,215 yards and 16 touchdowns. He's consistently been a dominant force in the Saints passing game, but executives could be wary of his shaky injury history. Graham is often playing at less than 100 percent, and has never started more than 11 games in a season.
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