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The New Orleans Saints apparently view tight end Benjamin Watson as something more than just a backup.

The proof is in his pay.

In a twist of fate, Watson will make more than $700,000 more than what starter Jimmy Graham does in total cash this year. According to numbers obtained by ESPN.com, Watson will earn $2.15 million this season, while Graham will make $1.323 million in 2013.

Anyone else out there thinking about a possible holdout by Graham if he doesn’t get an extension (and a big raise) of a rookie contract he clearly has outplayed?

For the record, Watson’s three-year deal is worth $4.95 million. He got a $1.2 million signing bonus and a $950,000 first-year base salary. Watson’s 2014 salary jumps to $1 million and he has a $250,000 roster bonus and a $50,000 workout bonus.

In 2015, Watson’s salary will be $1.2 million and he also will have a $250,000 roster bonus and a $50,000 workout bonus.

I’ve also obtained the numbers on some other contracts recently signed by New Orleans players. Receiver/special teams player Courtney Roby got a one-year deal worth $905,000. But the Saints designated Roby as a veteran minimum benefit player, meaning his cap figure for this year is just $555,000.

The Saints did a similar maneuver with linebacker Ramon Humber. His one-year deal is worth $740,000. But the veteran minimum benefit puts his cap number at $550,000.

According to my calculations, the Saints are roughly $1.85 million under the cap.

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alleycat_126

If he wanted he could have held out before now, he's gonna play out his contract like. Bree's did, if a deal can't be reached loomis will pull out his exclusive rights franchise tag, and he get his deal done after that.

Mardigras9

If he has a great year, like he should, his paycheck for the next year will dwarf anything Watson gets x10.

AllSaints

Jimmy will get paid n if we let him go then Imma go into deep depression...

Jamessr

I'm all for paying Graham what he's worth.
However I wasn't too impressed with the "beast" last year.
One has to wonder if its from dunking the ball over the up rights... anyway

TheOak

This is Watson's last contract, Jimmy better understand that.

Watson's contract is not Jimmy Grahams concern... If Jimmy's agent is worth a hoot he will tell Jimmy not to push anything. If Jimmy pushes and uses Watsons contract as leverage then the Saints just need to beat Watson's contract, if Jimmy plays this year like he did in 2011 his new contract will dwarf Watson's. If Jimmy plays 2013 like he did in 2011 my gut tells me Jimmy will be either giving a preferred discount in 2014 or he will be playing in a different jersey.

Yasinkas is trying to make news where there isnt...

FinSaint

Was there actually a story there somewhere?

Cruize

Cut down on the drops, learn how to block, stay healthy, and he should get paid top dollar.

Marlboro Man

Nah, just tryin to stir the pot. This is a shot across the bow or a wake up call if you will for Jimmy. A lot of those drops last year should never have happened, I don't care if he did have a bum wrist. This move just says, hey, you ain't worth much if you can't catch the ball. Just saying.

saintsfan1976

Ol Pat Ya-STINK-as... Trying to drum up some drama eh?