AliJee

Wonder how they decide on the expert witnesses.

jeanpierre

New Orleans Saints' Drew Brees tells ESPN he knows what Jimmy Graham ruling will be | NOLA.com

Drew is such a funny guy...

jeanpierre

Average Numbers for 2011 and 2012 seasons...

Source: Projecting a Contract for the Saints Jimmy Graham - Over the Cap

Was written 11 Oct 2013, but makes some real good points that are still valid...

jeanpierre

Arbitrator expects to issue Graham ruling on Thursday | ProFootballTalk

AliJee

3 more days! Woohoo

jeanpierre

From the articles I've read about the negotiations the only "game-changer" in the deal would be the designation being changed to WR; and that would only hype the Graham/NFLPA camps; and even if that happens, it's the Graham camp that has the pressure as they want to get the larger checks rolling in as soon as possible...

The Saints actually still have the advantage as they still have their money, and they hold Graham's rights; and unlike when Brees contract was being hammered out, their aren't the extenuating circumstances of the BountyGate Beatdown that had pretty much canceled the 2013 campaign so there was added pressure of getting Drew done throw Saints fanbase a bone...

A couple of writers have alluded to the fact that Graham and his representation want to get this "marriage" done so he'll have the security he needs/desires; waiting another year is not what he want to go through or have the distractions/circus following him all season long...

The designation is probably more important to the NFLPA in the bigger view as they want larger dues contributions from their members which I find ironic as at the end of the day, the player split is already set, well at least in theory...

It's not that my way is the right way, I just make the right way my way...

Utah_Saint

Graham won't want to play under the tag as a WR either. He'll want a long term deal with guaranted money.

This whole tag, appeal, arbitrate process is just to establish the starting point for the negotiations for a new contract. There are only two points to start from using the tag 7 and a half million per year which too low and 12 and a half million which is too high.

jeanpierre

Could Saints' Jimmy Graham get franchise tag ruling this week?

jeanpierre

Arbitrator's ruling coming Thursday in Jimmy Graham's franchise-tag grievance - ESPN

Why does Triplett's name have to come second?!? Schefter is such a *****...we know who did the legwork and has more information about the Saints at his disposal...

And by the way...

"Either party can appeal Burbank's decision. But in the meantime, the winner will gain critical leverage in their long-term contract negotiations. The Saints and Graham have until July 15 to reach a long-term agreement or else Graham can play under only a one-year deal this season."

QBREES9

Firday is the day!