Saints could lose Jimmy Graham with non-exclusive tag
 

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.



Report: Saints could lose Jimmy Graham with non-exclusive tag - CBSSports.com

Re: Saints could lose Jimmy Graham with non-exclusive tag
 

i will prefer 2 1st round picks..... we got to the superbowl w/o him before so how come 2 1st round pick be less than his value? plus think of the less cap strap we will be to sign cameron & hicks

Re: Saints could lose Jimmy Graham with non-exclusive tag
 

Giving up two first rounders and a huge contract is a lot for a team to give. Not sure if anyone is going to bite, BUT if they do I don't see the Saints being able to match a huge offer and he will be sent packing. The two first rounders will be nice, but I'm going to hate to see him go : (

Re: Saints could lose Jimmy Graham with non-exclusive tag
 

I personally am all for this decision. It lets the market set his true value and allow others to pay his price tag of $12 mil/year. If this indeed happens then we have the choice to match or take two 1st rounders, which i am coo wit either or. We can trade one of the 1st rounders for other picks in this years draft. Maybe a 2 & 3 or what have you. We'll see what goes down this off season

Saints could lose Jimmy Graham with non-exclusive tag
 

2^ Been repeating this for a while now. Know why we haven't heard of any team getting two first round picks for a NEFT?

Who in their right mind would give up $12m what it will take JG to sign an offer letter AND 2 FRDPs.


Mike Ditka wouldn't make that kind of deal.

Re: Saints could lose Jimmy Graham with non-exclusive tag
 

We all love Jimmy Graham and would hate to see him go... But we don't love him more than the Saints. I don't see him leaving because as Oak said, no-one in their right mind would make that move.

Re: Saints could lose Jimmy Graham with non-exclusive tag
 

Actually to tell you the truth this is one of the players I put into being bigger than the team, I apprieciate his character, his honesty, his work ethic...... Me being a fan of his would follow him to what ever team he goes to. I couldn't pull myself to rooting for the team he winds up with but... I would cheer for him if he goes to another team.

Re: Saints could lose Jimmy Graham with non-exclusive tag
 

I agree about always being a fan of his if he were to sign elsewhere... I just meant that I want what's best for the Saints, not what's best for Jimmy Graham. I'm pretty sure what Jimmy's agent wants is not what's best for the Saints.

Re: Saints could lose Jimmy Graham with non-exclusive tag
 

And who could begrudge Graham? He's been paid a relative pittance so far in his four-year NFL career. He's earned a total of $2.4 million, or about a third of what the Saints paid defensive lineman Brodrick Bunkley the past two seasons alone.

Hometown discount? Graham has been giving the Saints one for the past three seasons. Since becoming a full-time starter in 2011, Graham has set new standards for tight end prolificacy.

His averages of 90 catches, 1,169 yards and 12 touchdowns over the past three seasons dwarf those of the league's second-best tight end, Rob Gonkowski (61; 903; 10.7), and compare favorably with top wide receivers like Dez Bryant (83; 1,181; 11) and A.J. Green (87; 1,277; 9.6)


PAY DA MAN, yeah i said it.

Re: Saints could lose Jimmy Graham with non-exclusive tag
 

Highest paid TE sure he deserves that, top wide receiver pay.....no. If they pay him that we won't have an OL so Jimmy won't be catching anything cause Brees will be on his back all game. Like watching him play but 2 first round picks will make me feel better about him leaving.