Sean Payton not surprised by TE Graham's absence

So far, star tight end Jimmy Graham has skipped offseason workouts at Saints headquarters while his agent, Jimmy Sexton, and the Saints continue protracted negotiations over a long-term extension.

"I think it's pretty normal," Payton said.

The Saints have virtually locked Graham in for 2014 by placing a franchise tag worth $7.04 million on the 6-foot-7 tight end. However, Graham is seeking a long-term extension with pay commensurate to that of a top-tier receiver.

Last season, Graham led New Orleans in yards receiving with 1,215 and in touchdown catches with 16.

In 2012, quarterback Drew Brees held out until reaching a five-year, $100 million deal in early July, just weeks before training camp. Saints general manager Mickey Loomis said during LSU's pro day this month that it would not be unreasonable to expect negotiations with Graham to follow a similar timeline, and that there is no immediate deadline.

"All of us would rather have things done sooner than later, but it doesn't always happen that way," Loomis said then. "Obviously we want to have Jimmy Graham on our team when training camp begins."


(dailyjournal.net)