Danno

Just our luck the arbitrator will decide Jimmy is a WR, but going forward the TE designation shall include lining up in the slot, and we'll still have to increase his tag value 20% next year.
It's a Saints double F'ing. It's inevitable.

TheOak

If a long term deal has not happened by the time that happens, and it happens... Its time to cut bait, rescind the Tag, and let him go about his business.

or

Pay the frikken tag, give him normal TE play this season because you desperately need to figure out what your remaining weapons are for 2015 and let him walk next year. You do not have to actually throw the ball to Jimmy all the time for him to effect a defense. Just having him on the field warrants special attention. To those that say Talib shut him down, you really need to think about how special Jimmy Graham is if the deity like Bill Belichick is going to specifically game plan around him.

That said, the reality of this situation is that Drew and Jimmy owe each other as the odds of either matching their last 3 seasons with out the other is relatively low. If I were Drew, I would wait until zero hour and if nothing is done I would personally make the room to keep him and come out looking like the savior. That is whats called a Win-Win!

From what I can tell, if it were not for cap space, not many people would have an issue paying Jimmy Graham.. Well except for the hand full that call everyone greedy if they try and get as much pay as they can.

CheramieIII

I would love the number one picks but I agree tell him we'll pay 7 this year 9.5 next year with a 2.5 bonus to make up for this year. We get a long term deal and get to keep the best TE in Football

st thomas

like the idea but JG is the best TE in football at times, he has not come full circle just yet. once he gets paid he better become the beast of all beast full circle or here comes the grumbling. was it injuries that tamed the beast or was it the they better pay me or they'll get more of these drops and alligator arm tries that will continue. I would like no more than to pay this guy 12 mill. for 1 year (franchise year) . if the beast prevails its final bust out a long and rich contract that supports the saints in a good way, play with the numbers type of huge pay day for him, now if its the same ole same ole in the playoffs where he can't shake off a peanut shell again, then its time to trade for a couple of picks after next season. jimmy grahm.

thats the fact jack!!!!!

AsylumGuido

Once again, Graham is going nowhere. I would have to do some major research, but in the entire history of the non-exclusive tag (almost 30 years) I cannot ever remember a team making a deal with the player and handing over the two 1st rounders. It simply isn't done.

TheOak

I did it brother and there is no need to search back 30 or so years. I searched long and hard and it has not happened as far as i can find or have heard in NFLSirius.

It is way too steep of a price for any player other than one that would bring you a Super Bowl which normally would be a QB.

The dark horse in this would be Seattle. With 16m in cap space, Miller being their best TE with 2 years left, Rice was released, they could arguable come to the conclusion that adding Jimmy to their roster would put them where they need to be for another run.