After being the first franchise tag dispute to see an arbitrator, Jimmy Graham and the New Orleans Saints are on the verge of competing a longterm deal to keep the games best tight end in NOLA.
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According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Graham and the Saints are close to a deal that will make the disgruntled offensive weapon the highest paid tight end in NFL history. The two sides have until Tuesday's 4 p.m. ET deadline to get the deal done or Graham will play 2014 under the tight end franchise tag.
Saints and Jimmy Graham closing in on long-term deal to make him highest-paid TE in NFL history. Now optimism deal done by Tues deadline.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 14, 2014
Graham has appealed arbitrator Stephen Burbank’s ruling that he is a tight end just in case the two sides do not come to an agreement by the deadline. Graham has covered all his bases in this situation and it could pay dividends if 4 p.m. comes and goes without a longterm deal with the Saints.
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Per NFLPA source, Jimmy Graham has filed an appeal of the arbitration award, couching it as a "reservation of rights." — ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) July 14, 2014
Graham has been one of the NFL’s best tight end’s since entering the league out of the University of Miami in 2010. When/if Graham receives his money from the Saints, it will go to good use as he is quarterback Drew Brees’ favorite targets in one of the NFL’s best passing attacks.
Graham totaled 1215 receiving yards on 86 catches in 2013 and added 16 touchdowns from Brees.
[ESPN]
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