Report: Saints could lose Jimmy Graham with non-exclusive tagBy Josh Katzowitz | NFL Writer CBS SportsMarch 1, 2014 10:08 pm ET
The Saints have made it possible that Jimmy Graham won't play for them in 2014. (USATSI) Not only have the Saints franchise tagged Jimmy Graham -- which will likely result in a fight about whether Graham should be classified as a tight end or a receiver -- but New Orleans reportedly has raised the possibility that Graham might not even play for the Saints in 2014.That's because, according to ESPN's Chris Mortensen, the Saints have placed the non-exclusive tag on Graham, meaning another team could give New Orleans two first-round picks in exchange for Graham. Or the Saints could always match the contract terms of what somebody would offer Graham, keeping him safely on their own roster.Two first-round picks, of course, would be a high-price to pay -- not to mention having to sign Graham to an expensive contract that they would have to negotiate with him -- but Graham also is one of the two best tight ends in the league, so somebody who needs an explosive presence on offense might think about doing a deal.It seems unlikely, though, that Graham will play for anybody but New Orleans in 2014. A notion that CBSSports.com's Pete Prisco seconds.
The big question remains how much Graham will be paid for doing so.If the Saints are allowed to tag him as a tight end, he'd be paid about $7 million under the $133 million salary cap. If he was a receiver, he'd make about $12.1 million. While Graham lined up as a slot receiver about 2/3 of the time last year, he's still listed as a tight end.Graham could file a grievance through the NFLPA to get himself reclassified as a receiver.Even with the franchise tag placed on Graham, the two sides have until July 15 to sign a long-term deal. Unless somebody else thinks Graham is worth two first-round picks and is willing to pay more money than the Saints. Then, Graham could quickly find himself playing for a brand-new team.
That actually wouldn't be out of the question for a team with a lot of picks like Cleveland for example. Give up this years first, and next years first, and they would still have 8-9 picks this May. If their cap could handle it. I would laugh my azz off at Jimmy in a Browns uni.
Actually, the Browns could do it pretty easily.
The Browns could make a big move in the standings. Carr to Graham?
The Browns would have to give up THEIR first round pick, not any first round pick, is that correct?If so, no way they'd consider this picking in the top 5
No thanks. He's a product of Drew Brees/good QB.Has there been any other WRs from New Orleans go elsewhere and be just as successful?Nope.
The Browns would have to give up THEIR first round pick, not any first round pick, is that correct?If so, no way they'd consider this picking in the top 5
Why not ?? Put Jimmy Graham back in this draft and he's going top 5 all day long.
Graham is absolutely worth 2 #1s, especially late ones. Browns already have a stud TE though.
No thanks. He's a product of Drew Brees/good QB.Has there been any other WRs from New Orleans go elsewhere and be just as successful?Nope.
No thanks to two first rounders, but Graham is the best TE in league regardless of Brees.
Depends on the team. A team like us that is rebuilding then no way- we don't have enough of a cake to bother putting icing on it. However, a team like Seattle would be brutal with Graham. They are a few recievers away from being near unbeatable. The whole late first vs. early first factors in too.
Jimmy seems to be breaking down more and more each year, lot of wear and tear for 2 1st round picks but you get a top TE when he's healthy.
Browns already have a good TE, no need to blow picks on Graham.
The TE i'm watching for FF purposes is Jordan Reed (Redskins)!!Baller! RG3's season went downhill after Reed got injured....
No thanks. He's a product of Drew Brees/good QB.Has there been any other WRs from New Orleans go elsewhere and be just as successful?Nope.
Disagree. He is a helluva player. Top 10 in the league. But having said that, I wouldn't give 2 first and a mega-contract to him, unless I was a bottom dweller or contender, and could afford it.
The Browns would have to give up THEIR first round pick, not any first round pick, is that correct?
Correct!!
