Grambeaux Decision Likely Due on Thursday
 

The Fourth of July is a day filled with celebrations all over the country, but some of the people involved in the Jimmy Graham franchise tag grievance may not be feeling much like fireworks come Friday morning.

Adam Schefter of ESPN reports that arbitrator Stephen Burbank expects to inform Graham, the Saints and the NFL of his decision “no sooner, no later” than Thursday. Both sides in the argument over whether Graham should be tagged as a tight end at a cost of $7 million in 2014 or if he should be tagged for the $12.3 million for wide receivers. Whichever way Burbank rules, you’d expect the loser to appeal.

The arbitrator’s ruling would give the two sides a firmer idea of how things will play out and, as a result, a possible framework for a long-term deal. The almost inevitable appeal could make a long-term agreement hard to come by, though, as the Saints and Graham face a July 15 deadline to get such a deal done before they’d have to put it off until after the 2014 season.

Arbitrator expects to issue Graham ruling on Thursday | ProFootballTalk

Re: Grambeaux Decision Likely Due on Thursday
 

We were able to finally land on the moon faster than this drawn out decision.

Re: Grambeaux Decision Likely Due on Thursday
 

Whichever way Burbank rules, you’d expect the loser to appeal.
Appeal? seriously, where does this end? How do you appeal arbitration?

Re: Grambeaux Decision Likely Due on Thursday
 

Imagine how lame this could get.

Re: Grambeaux Decision Likely Due on Thursday
 

How much lamer it could get*

Re: Grambeaux Decision Likely Due on Thursday
 

http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.word...56a.jpeg?w=250

Jimmy to Heat for Lebron?


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Re: Grambeaux Decision Likely Due on Thursday
 

You don't. Arbitration is binding on both sides. That does not, however, preclude both sides agreeing to a long-term deal which would have nothing to do financially with the amount of the arbitrator's ruling.

Re: Grambeaux Decision Likely Due on Thursday
 

I'll believe it when I see it. The deal won't get done till the last possible minute on the 15th anyway. If he is designated as WR I still say sign hi
Just above what Gronk makes. If he turns it down oh well. More money and less shuffling around next year when we have to sign Nicks and Jordan

Re: Grambeaux Decision Likely Due on Thursday
 

The only reason i can see why this is being dragged along is that the league is putting pressure on for a deal to be done prior to any ruling.Both sides probably know the outcome and are negotiating a deal and then no ruling is needed.Any ruling opens a can of worms and they will want this avoided till the CBA is up

Re: Grambeaux Decision Likely Due on Thursday
 

I agree.

Re: Grambeaux Decision Likely Due on Thursday
 

Does this mean the buy 2 get 1 free fireworks sale will not happen this year? Well that freakin sucks.

Re: Grambeaux Decision Likely Due on Thursday
 

I hit 'like' bc I have no idea what that means, which is how I have felt since day one of Grahamgate

Re: Grambeaux Decision Likely Due on Thursday
 

Although I don't think it'll have that big of a difference in our eventual and inevitable long term deal, I'm sure hoping they rule he's a friggin TE. Mostly because, well... he is.

Although, if they rule he's a WR, it'll screw the 49ers with Vernon Davis, so there's that bonus.:p

Re: Grambeaux Decision Likely Due on Thursday
 

Doesn't Davis stay into block on most plays?

Re: Grambeaux Decision Likely Due on Thursday
 

I hit like because you hit like and I don't know what it means; but LIKE!

Re: Grambeaux Decision Likely Due on Thursday
 

I don't think the Saints will. But I really don't want to lose him.

Re: Grambeaux Decision Likely Due on Thursday
 

The very beginning of the article talks about the forth of July, hence my smart ass comment about buy 2 get 1 free sale at the fireworks tent. You can always get a bargin when blowing sh!t up for the 4th. It bascically means at this point Im so over this decision, that blowing up my neighbors tree would bring me more joy.

Re: Grambeaux Decision Likely Due on Thursday
 

Just heard on sirius he's ruled to be a tight end

Re: Grambeaux Decision Likely Due on Thursday
 

Yeah I just got a text from the NFL site: TE

Re: Grambeaux Decision Likely Due on Thursday
 

spot on

Re: Grambeaux Decision Likely Due on Thursday
 

Jimmy is a TE? Whodathunkit?

Time to learn how to block like one!

Re: Grambeaux Decision Likely Due on Thursday
 

I believe the NFLPA introduced film of JG's poor blocking skills as evidence

Re: Grambeaux Decision Likely Due on Thursday
 

I would rather have him continue to catch 16 TD's a year than be a glorified offensive tackle. To hell with blocking. His job is not being a blocker. Your standard TE can't run like he can and can't catch passes like he can. Give me Jimmy Graham every frickin' day of the week over a blocking TE.

Deion Sanders is widely recognized as the greatest cornerback of all time, yet he couldn't tackle worth a crap.

It is about time Saints fans realize that Graham's value is in no way related to his ability to block. When you only line up on the OT's shoulder 35% of offensive plays you are not expected to be a blocker.

Re: Grambeaux Decision Likely Due on Thursday
 

Total bullcrap.

Re: Grambeaux Decision Likely Due on Thursday
 

Tony Gonzalez could block like one and catch like Jimmy, even catch better than Jimmy at times. Are you saying Jimmy is not as special as Tony?

Re: Grambeaux Decision Likely Due on Thursday
 

Yes I am. Gonzo was far and away the best TE that ever played the game. If he was Jimmy's age right now he would easily be worth the $12M or more.

Re: Grambeaux Decision Likely Due on Thursday
 

Exactly my thoughts!