Jimmy Graham appeals ruling, but record pact may be close

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Monday night that Graham and the Saints are close to an agreement on a contract that will make Graham the highest-paid tight end in NFL history. Terms were not disclosed.

Saints tight end Jimmy Graham has appealed an arbitrator’s ruling that declared Graham is a tight end and not a wide receiver and should be franchise-tagged as a tight end. NFL.com broke the news, citing a source close to the situation.

The difference between the two is $5.27 million — $5 million more than Graham was apparently willing to walk away from without a bigger fight.

The deadline to sign a long-term deal is 4 p.m. ET Tuesday.

That isn’t likely to happen now that Graham is digging his heels in. If no long-term deal is struck, he cannot negotiate a new contract until after this season.

The NFLPA agreed to advise Graham on his options at the conclusion of the arbitration ruling decided by special master Stephen Burbank last month. The crux of his decision was based on the distance from offensive tackle in which Graham lined up most frequently, and his multiple duties from that position — as a pass-catcher, but also as both a pass- and run-blocker. Saints coach Sean Payton was among those who testified in support of the Saints.

Graham made only $1.3 million in the last year of his rookie contract in 2013. He may want upward of $12 million, but the two parties may find something agreeable between that and the $7 million for a franchise-tagged tight end. But unless it happens between now and Tuesday’s deadline, no decision will be made until after the season.


(sportingnews.com)