Saints won’t discuss an extension with Jimmy Graham this offseason
 

Rob Gronkowski just got a record extension for a tight end, 54 million over 6 years, but don’t expect the same to happen for Jimmy Graham. Graham essentially matched Gronkowski in production last season and is also heading into his 3rd year after being taken in the 3rd round in the 2010 NFL Draft, the same draft where Gronkowski went in the 2nd round.

Like Gronkowski did, Graham still has 2 years left on his current deal, but unlike the Patriots, the Saints are not in a hurry to get him extended. In fact, according to Pro Football Weekly, it is “difficult to envision” the Saints extending Graham this offseason, citing their limited cap space and the fact that they’re still tied up in ongoing and more important negotiations with Drew Brees.

Saints won?t discuss an extension with Jimmy Graham this offseason

Certainly understandable, given all the Saints irons in the fire.

Still, it can be frustrating to watch other teams lock up their playmakers 2 YEARS ahead of time, while we drag forward toward the zero-hour still haggling with our most important player. Hopefully negotiations with Graham will begin whenever this Brees deal happens.

I think Graham when he gets paid will be paid well. I hope he gets better and better and he is in a Saints uniform for a long time.

We wanted to negotiate with Brees before last season. BREES refused to negotiate.

Salary cap jumps up considerably next season so I'm not worried. I know the Saints will take care of JG. No doubt about it.

I also think there will be some fat we can trim when some of our younger guys step up.

No sense in pointing fingers one way or the other!!!! Brees first, if Jimmy has another season like the last one it will make the point moot because they will want to lock him up for a long time!!!!

Focus!!!! That contract can wait!

Nor should they be worried about that at this time. Let the guy play out the rest of his contract (or at least get closer to the end) and see where we stand at that point. Also, Jimmy Graham's stock is at an all-time high... if he doesn't have as good of a season in 2012, the Saints have more negotiating leverage (not much, but some).

Not exactly true; Brees didn't want his contract negotiations to interfere with the Saints playoff run, so he had them shelved until the off-season.

How is that not exactly? We wanted to, he didn't. It doesn't matter what the reason is, he refused.

Not a criticism, but when exactly did we stop wanting our players to play as well as possible without salary and business considerations.

I often do this. I find myself explaining these things to my son when he asks. I try to catch myself and just let him enjoy his team.

I am just lamenting the loss of my innocence as a fan.

I think we could all use a step back from time to time to remember why we became big fans in the first place. I know I could ...

I think there should be verbiage in the CBA stating eloquently "play out your frikken contract". After all, what is the point of all this damned contract negotiation when money hungry players sit out for a period when they are in year 2 of a 4-5 year contract?

It makes the salary cap somewhat of a night mare to deal with. I know restructuring has its benefits, but com'on man! If a player is not preforming up to his contract the team should have two options... Shut up or cut him.

Also... you want to sit out? Sit out the entire season... With out pay. Stop fking with the fans!

Its time some of these players grow up and live with the decisions they have made. Also, all of this bonus for 'showing up for practice' needs to go. You want to play football in the NFL, go to damned practice, you want a bonus, do something worthy other than showing up..

I am having a bad morning .. LOL