Re: Jimmy Graham Could Be Targeting As Much As $12 Annually In His Next Contract
 

yeah you don't trade talent like that, end of story.

Re: Jimmy Graham Could Be Targeting As Much As $12 Annually In His Next Contract
 

Well an organization should if it seems like they won't be able to re-sign such a talent to a long term contract with reasonable compensation and the only way to really get the most benefit out of the said talent is to trade him elsewhere while he is still under contract, and have some other team pay for the talent involved.

The worst case scenario being that he plays out his contract and signs with another team next offseason with the Saints potentially only getting a compensatory pick out of the whole deal.

Now, I personally believe that Graham will re-sign a long term contract with the Saints and the annual worth of it will be much lower than the $12M reported in this "article." But you have to be ready to pull the trigger on a difficult choice if it seems like the best option for the organization in the long run - no matter who the player is and/or what type of talent he has.

Re: Jimmy Graham Could Be Targeting As Much As $12 Annually In His Next Contract
 

We would do well to remember that we are only as strong as our weakest link.
We need to resource our weakest areas if we want to be always in contention because our very best do not deliver everytime - regardless of their pay structure.

Re: Jimmy Graham Could Be Targeting As Much As $12 Annually In His Next Contract
 

Certainly, and I am not advocating 12M either, but we have to pay him. The guy is top 3 at his position in the league. Just doesn't make any sense to lose talent like that. MJ shouldn't be making 11, if that's accurate. There's a cut we can make to help pay for him.

But yeah- if we can't and we know it is impossible I see your point. I agree- we'll sign him

The way I see it. Graham has had 1 outstanding year, last year was a flop, and his contract is not up till next year. He did not prove or backup anything in 2012.


If you take away 2011, he is an average TE.
http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/stats/...2/jimmy-graham


He has not proven to be worth 12mm at this point. If you take away the 2011 season and he may have been cut instead of Thomas.

Re: Jimmy Graham Could Be Targeting As Much As $12 Annually In His Next Contract
 

And these points are valid.

We would be $120M over the cap if we paid on potential. And still be where we are, results-wise.

Re: Jimmy Graham Could Be Targeting As Much As $12 Annually In His Next Contract
 

Um I just looked it up... he was #2 in the league in yards for TE'S. He was second in TD's. He was third in receptions. What do you consider outstanding?

Re: Jimmy Graham Could Be Targeting As Much As $12 Annually In His Next Contract
 

No, they're not. #2, #2, and #3 is fairly outstanding, IMHO

Not being #1 in drops.

Re: Jimmy Graham Could Be Targeting As Much As $12 Annually In His Next Contract
 

He has a lot to prove this coming season. Was it his wrist problem that caused all the drops? More importantly right now, will this thread last through the entire year or will a new one start after next season?