Arbiter's decision expected this week in Jimmy Graham grievance

Jimmy Graham sees himself as something other than a tight end. An NFL arbiter is expected to announce this week whether Graham is right.

There could be more at stake than Graham's desire to be paid as a wide receiver. Other teams and players are watching the New Orleans Saints' situation. And the Saints could be a risk of losing Graham's services.

Graham contends his role with the Saints is that of a wide receiver. As such, he believes he should be paid $12 million while carrying the team's franchise tag. As a tight end, his tagged salary is only $7 million.

Last week's two-day hearing in New Orleans allowed both sides to present arguments to by NFL arbitrator Stephen Burbank. It's not clear when he will announce his decision, only that it is expected in the coming days.

Graham's stand, supported by the NFL players' union, is based not on his position as decided by the team, but his use in the offense. He lined up as a wideout for two-thirds of the Saints' snaps in 2013.

There is a way to avoid aggravation between the Saints and Graham. A long-term contract would put the franchise tag question to rest. A similar situation was settled that way in 2009, when the Baltimore Ravens and Terrell Suggs reached accord.

Without that, Burbank could change the way teams decide positions in assigning franchise tags. 

If Burbank rules in favor of Graham, the Saints might be forced to part ways with a significant piece of their offense's puzzle.


(sportingnews.com)