Five Reasons Someone Will Steal Jimmy Graham from the Saints
 

If the grievance hearing falls in Graham’s favor the Saints will face roster decisions and contract renegotiations. But even if Graham loses, his franchise tag is non-exclusive, meaning any team can tender an offer sheet. The Saints meager cap space leaves them vulnerable to a serious offer.

Five Reasons Someone Will Steal Jimmy Graham from the Saints

Re: Five Reasons Someone Will Steal Jimmy Graham from the Saints
 

The only way he goes is if Loomis lets him go. There'll be no thievery. I bet the top guys are dying to Cooks over to the Big Easy to see if he and the rest of the receiving corp can thrive without Graham. I'm thinkin' they can.

Re: Five Reasons Someone Will Steal Jimmy Graham from the Saints
 

Would hate to see him go but with the way he's acted about this whole situation if he did go I'd love to see him go to jacksonville or oakland, plus get two first round picks for him aswell

Re: Five Reasons Someone Will Steal Jimmy Graham from the Saints
 

I'm sick of this JG thing . . He needs to realize his numbers are as much to credit to Drew Brees as to himself . . . Let him test the waters with another team and experience a mediocre QB and life without playoff hopes . . He will indeed have plenty of money to spend in his long off season, but if he wants to go down is history with the biggest name in tight ends he need to shut the F#@$ up and play ball with the WHO DATT nation !!! !! lets get it baby . . . TWO DATT! !!

Re: Five Reasons Someone Will Steal Jimmy Graham from the Saints
 

Amen brother, hard not to catch the ball when it's hitting you in the helmet most of the time.

Re: Five Reasons Someone Will Steal Jimmy Graham from the Saints
 

Sigh.

Someone on YardBarker posts an opinion piece and everyone takes it as gospel.

Sigh.

Fans take personal affront to a bog standard business negotiation. Many seem to miss the point that while players may or may not be fanatics about the team and the sport, at the end of the day it's their job and their career. Like all of us, when you get an opportunity to maximize your value in the marketplace, you take it.

Sigh.

It's funny how Graham really isn't a very good tight end (blocking first, receiving second), yet everyone is ticked off at the tactic of not classifying him as a tight end.

Sigh.

Does anyone really believe that any GM is going to be as stupid as Jerry Jones, who is unique because he is also the owner, as to give up TWO FIRST ROUND PICKS and a $60+ million contract for anyone.

Sigh.

If someone was going to make an offer, then the time to make it is before the hearing when JG's value is finally established.

Sigh.

This is an issue between the league, who classified JG as a TE, and the players association, who is disputing the claim.

Sigh.

I'm getting pretty tired of repeating the simple fact that if the Saints didn't want JG, then they would have traded him when they had the opportunity. Or let him go into free agency. They didn't. By franchising their prized player, they both guaranteed that he will play for the Saints next year (and even possibly the year after that), and that JG is going to get paid.

Sigh.

I am sick of this bashing on arguably the best player on the squad. Nothing has changed. JG wants to be here. The Saints want him here. Loomis has almost always let the market set the value for a player, then come up with a contract that's near market price.

Sigh.

Our friend at YB doesn't understand how the salary cap works. The $7 million cap number for JG is already on the books. Any long term contract with up front money will likely have a cap number below that because the signing bonus is spread over the life of the contract. JG wants long term security. So he's not going to sign a contract where a team can cut him after two years.

Sigh.

I know it's June. And I know that it's slow. But absolutely nothing has changed from the timeline I posted in February. A long term deal will be done in July. And this fiasco, enflamed by fan frustration, will finally be put away.

Sigh.

SFIAH

Re: Five Reasons Someone Will Steal Jimmy Graham from the Saints
 

Graham needs to talk to Meachem

Re: Five Reasons Someone Will Steal Jimmy Graham from the Saints
 

What did he say?

Re: Five Reasons Someone Will Steal Jimmy Graham from the Saints
 

Can you explain his actions? Like Vernon Davis, who didn't show for OTA's in protest while still under contract? Or like Josh Gordon, who cannot keep out of trouble?

The NFL is a $9 billion/year market place where even hall of fame players are only going to get 3-4 contracts. It's just common sense to attempt to maximize your contract value when the opportunity comes.

I firmly disagree with most of the opinions here. I wouldn't want a player that doesn't believe in his abilities and fights for fair value for the opportunity to offer those services to a team. Someone who doesn't do that doesn't believe in themselves. That's not a player that I'd want on my squad.

Now should the Saints do everything in their power to manage the value of the contract? Of course. But to deem the "actions" of doing business as usual as worthy of ejection just seems to be a bit much to me.

Let me tell you the "action" that I saw that shows JG's commitment. Playing on an injured foot, specifically a partially torn plantar fascia, for much of last season and still playing at a high level.

SFIAH

Re: Five Reasons Someone Will Steal Jimmy Graham from the Saints
 

Nothing. He's said nothing. He has an agent that's doing his job, which is trying to maximize his client's value. He has a player's association that is attempting to redefine the position for franchise tag purposes. He hasn't signed his franchise tender, nor agreed to a long term contract with the team. Of course it's just common sense not to do so, since his value has not yet been established.

He didn't show up to voluntary OTAs. Note that he is currently a free agent and has no contractual obligation to participate in any Saints activities.

He has not touted his career numbers, which BTW are on a Hall of Fame pace. He has not spoken out about the team and how they are mistreating him. He's not spouting off on Twitter about how he needs to be paid.

He has said absolutely, positively nothing at all.

So I just gotta ask: Why U Mad Bro?

SFIAH

Re: Five Reasons Someone Will Steal Jimmy Graham from the Saints
 

No one is going to steal Jimmy Graham. Either he plays under the tag or we'll sign him to a long term deal. It's that simple. If we were going to move him, it would have happened already.

You cannot fault Jimmy Graham for wanting to maximize his earnings. In our "Not For Long" league, he's an injury away being out of the league. This is the single most important contract of his life. He needs to make the best move for him and the Saints for them.

This will all get sorted out eventually. He's a seasoned vet that's been playing in the same system with the same quarterback for quite some time now. Patience is a virtue.

Re: Five Reasons Someone Will Steal Jimmy Graham from the Saints
 

Different situation. Meachem played out his rookie contract. The Saints declined to make him an offer and let him go to the free agent market.

They were right on the money. San Diego overpaid and his production was poor.

But it's not like Meachem was the #1 receiving option during his first stint with the Saints. Even his best year was 45 receptions for 722 yards and 7 TDs. Compared to JG, that's pretty laughable.

Why is everyone equating the fact the JG's not agreeing to the first contract offered to his wanting to leave?

This is a contract negotiation. Two parties, each with their own agenda make offers and counteroffers until they come to an agreement. Problem here is that there are facts not in evidence. Specifically the franchise tag designation for Graham. Once that is established (IMHO he'll remain tagged as a TE) it shouldn't take too terribly long to get the deal done.

Let's not forget we had the same questions with Brees 2 years ago. Remember that Brees argued that he was being tagged for the 2nd or 3rd time? Same thing. Went the arbitation. Went against Brees. Contract got done. Richest in QB history (for 5 minutes). Looks like a bargain 2 years later. And I remember that some wanted to get rid of him too. SMDH.

As for Meachem. 2 Years, 14 receptions, 207 yards, 2 TD, for a guaranteed payday of $14 million. What's not to like?

SFIAH

Re: Five Reasons Someone Will Steal Jimmy Graham from the Saints
 

BING!

BING!!

BING! BING! BING!

Papz, you have hit the jackpot!

SFIAH

Re: Five Reasons Someone Will Steal Jimmy Graham from the Saints
 

http://i1284.photobucket.com/albums/...ps91120e36.gif

Whoohoo! I expect my check to arrive within 90 days.

:D

Re: Five Reasons Someone Will Steal Jimmy Graham from the Saints
 

What do you mean "the way he's acted about this whole situation"? Graham has been totally out of the public eye concerning everything contract related. He has done absolutely nothing wrong. This "whole situation" is nothing more than the average contract negotiation between an agent and a team's front office and the NFLPA versus the league office (in the case of the franchise tag designation). As these things go this one has been extremely low-key and uneventful. Jimmy Graham has been completely above reproach throughout the entire affair.

It is really beginning to irritate me reading these totally misguided statements.

Re: Five Reasons Someone Will Steal Jimmy Graham from the Saints
 

How can he "shut the F#@$ up" when has has not said a word. This has NOTHING to do with Graham. This has EVERYTHING to do with the business of professional football. Graham has always given all of the credit for his success to Brees. I am not sure where you are getting the idea that he has ever implied otherwise.

Re: Five Reasons Someone Will Steal Jimmy Graham from the Saints
 

You are obviously watching something I haven't seen and I have seen every pass ever thrown Graham's direction.

Re: Five Reasons Someone Will Steal Jimmy Graham from the Saints
 

^^^^

Some of you need to take time to read this before making yourselves look foolish by bashing Graham.

Re: Five Reasons Someone Will Steal Jimmy Graham from the Saints
 

Another WINNER!!! BING!

I've simply decided that I will refute each and every post I see in that vein until someone starts explaining what they mean in reality instead of just what they feel.

The feeling is:

1. JG should be grateful to be with the Saints.

2. That JG's number only exists because of the offense he is in.

3. That JG is "soft" and can be shut down by physical long corners.

4. That JG doesn't block.

5. That the Saints would improve if the traded JG (they cannot BTW) or got the two first round picks for him leaving (both a fantasy and debatable vis a vis its accuracy).

6. That since he didn't sign his contract, he doesn't want to be here.

7. The most important thing: He makes a ton of money, so why is he "complaining" and why is he not satisfied with what the team is offering him?

Because of these feelings, many which are misguided, many think that he's some type of cancer and needs to be gone.

It's crazy talk man. I mean totally looney toons.

SFIAH

Re: Five Reasons Someone Will Steal Jimmy Graham from the Saints
 

About what? Meachem was a free agent and his agent got him more money than the Saints were able to match. That money is now in his pocket. Graham, on the other hand, is a player that the Saints ARE willing to pay handsomely and he will get the money he deserves and all parties will be happy... that is, once the league and the NFLPA resolve their little issue with the tag designation.

Besides, it isn't Meachem or Graham making these calls. It is the person that they signed to do all of this dirty work ... the agent.

Re: Five Reasons Someone Will Steal Jimmy Graham from the Saints
 

Nothing. Not a word.

:rolleyes:

Re: Five Reasons Someone Will Steal Jimmy Graham from the Saints
 

I empathize with you, brother. I just can't understand why these people get a burr up their ass over nothing. Few players in the league have shown the class demonstrated by Graham.

Re: Five Reasons Someone Will Steal Jimmy Graham from the Saints
 

I know what you mean, and I too will continue to attempt to educate those who appear to not have a clue concerning all things negotiation related.

Re: Five Reasons Someone Will Steal Jimmy Graham from the Saints
 

this is the players union using the best chess piece to create a payable position. he is not going anywhere. worse case he sits out a year and still has to deal with us

Re: Five Reasons Someone Will Steal Jimmy Graham from the Saints
 

Hard to "steal" what's sitting out by the curb with a "take it" sign on it.
Let him go and spread the wealth.

Re: Five Reasons Someone Will Steal Jimmy Graham from the Saints
 

I really see him leaving. If they find in his favor we cant afford 12 mil a year. If they find in favor of the Saints he will be stole by another team with more cap room. Either way the Saints should be sitting pretty. Two rd1 picks or a sign and trade. If he stays we have the #1 tight end in the league. Truly a win win.

Re: Five Reasons Someone Will Steal Jimmy Graham from the Saints
 

In 2009 our TE was Shockey. HIs stats were average at best. I think the 2we have on the roster will do fine. His stats: 48 catches for 569 yards, 3 td

Re: Five Reasons Someone Will Steal Jimmy Graham from the Saints
 

Re: Five Reasons Someone Will Steal Jimmy Graham from the Saints
 

I'm still disappointed with his performance in the seahawks playoff game.

Re: Five Reasons Someone Will Steal Jimmy Graham from the Saints
 

there is literally nothing new to say here...just ride it out until the 16th

Re: Five Reasons Someone Will Steal Jimmy Graham from the Saints
 

Explain the take it sign. What has Jimmy Graham ever done to deserve leaving? Spell it out. Don't just state that crap. Give details. Give quotes. Give legit reasons.

You can't because they don't exist.

Y'all are really sad.

Re: Five Reasons Someone Will Steal Jimmy Graham from the Saints
 

This shows us how little you know about the business called the NFL. If they "find in his favor" it has absolutely nothing to do with the long term contract. There is no chance he plays under a franchise tag, whether it be TE or WR. This whole thing is a declaration issue between the league and the NFLPA.

Regardless of the outcome he will still be signed to a deal averaging around $11M per year, with a signing bonus that carries a 2014 cap hit of around $5M, thus freeing up over $2M additional cap for this season.

You can make a deal at $11-$12M a year on paper, bet only have a small portion of it ever apply to the cap or actually ever make it to the player.

Don't believe all the bull**** you read in the press. It will make you stupid.

Re: Five Reasons Someone Will Steal Jimmy Graham from the Saints
 

:rolleyes:

Re: Five Reasons Someone Will Steal Jimmy Graham from the Saints
 

You can explain without being a ass. If you know more than post it. Calling people "stupid" or saying they "know very little" is not just demeaning but it shows your ignorance.

Re: Five Reasons Someone Will Steal Jimmy Graham from the Saints
 

That's the best you can come up with? In 2009 our TE was Shockey. HIs stats were average at best. I think the 2we have on the roster will do fine. His stats: 48 catches for 569 yards, 3 td. I posted facts. It proves we can win with out a dominate TE.

Re: Five Reasons Someone Will Steal Jimmy Graham from the Saints
 

Name a single TE in the game that could have done better with the total sellout they put on shutting him down with the lack of input from the other offensive pieces. You can't.

He is universally recognized as the best TE in the league by all that know. Sorry, but it is really hard to take anyone seriously that does not understand simple facts.

Re: Five Reasons Someone Will Steal Jimmy Graham from the Saints
 

No, you need to tell me how arguably the best TE in the league being on the roster isn't not better than inferior TE's in his place. If Jimmy Graham had been on the 2009 squad the Saints would have been just that more dominant.

You tell us how a weaker roster is better. Well?

:rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:

Re: Five Reasons Someone Will Steal Jimmy Graham from the Saints
 

I agree but 90% of the team disappeared in that game till the last 5 minutes of the game. Hawks were just a better team. This year should be much different, with the running game and new weapons spread out I believe we have the upper hand. With or without JG the Saints should win.

Re: Five Reasons Someone Will Steal Jimmy Graham from the Saints
 

I tell you how a more balanced roster is better. I could block better than JG.

Re: Five Reasons Someone Will Steal Jimmy Graham from the Saints
 

Can't help but be an ass when trying to explain the obvious to those who have an unrealistic agenda. As for the claim of ignorance, far from it. Give legitimate reasons with factual support when making your claims. I have presented logical arguments well recognized with those "in the know". Prove your lack of "ignorance" by doing the same without simply making flippant comments.