Do you have any link that a $10M deal was ever offered. I have searched far and wide and have found nothing beyond conjecture. I seriously doubt that an official offer has ever been made by either side.

Do you have any link that a $10M deal was ever offered. I have searched far and wide and have found nothing beyond conjecture. I seriously doubt that an official offer has ever been made by either side.

It may have been a discussion on WWL with Detillier, who mentioned that figure was offered.

Could be false, could be true, I know I heard it or read it somewhere.

Probably one of those "sources say" tweets.

Larry Holder said in his blog before the season began the Saints had made an offer and were prepared to make him the NFL's highest-paid TE. It's reasonable to assume that's the $10 million range since Gronkowski is in the neighborhood of $9 million. Graham's camp didn't want to negotiate at the time, IIRC. Which is his right, but I'd say at this point it's looking like his agent has given him a lot of bad advice.

Saints general manager Mickey Loomis has been staunch about the team's view of Graham as a tight end. Graham didn't give an answer one way or the other on the issue when asked about the debate a few weeks ago.

"That's not for me to decide," Graham said Feb. 13. "I'm going to do, and I'm going to play, whatever I'm asked to do. It's that simple."

It's also interesting to note Graham's description of himself on his Twitter profile: "New Orleans Saints Tight End #80. Private Pilot."

Graham and the Saints have until July 15 to hammer out a long-term contract. If there's no long-term deal reached at the close of business July 15, Graham can then only play under the franchise tag with the Saints or sit out. The last day to sign a franchise tag tender is Nov. 11, the Tuesday after the 10th week of the season.

The Saints have offered Graham more than one long-term contract before reaching the franchise tag deadline, according to a league source, and the team is willing to make Graham the highest-paid tight end in the NFL. Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski currently holds the distinction after receiving a six-year dealing maxing out at $54 million two years ago.

The Saints have offered Graham more than one long-term contract before reaching the franchise tag deadline, according to a league source, and the team is willing to make Graham the highest-paid tight end in the NFL. Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski currently holds the distinction after receiving a six-year dealing maxing out at $54 million two years ago (9 million/season).

Graham is reportedly looking for an average or $12 million per season, which falls in line with the wide receiver franchise tag mark.

New Orleans Saints' Jimmy Graham receives franchise tag as a tight end | NOLA.com

As the season progresses, things are going to get interesting (read: tricky) for the Saints as far as Graham's contract is concerned. A couple of days ago, Larry Holder of the Times-Picayune reported that the Saints had sent their latest offer to their talented tight end and his camp about two months ago. New Orleans was given the cold shoulder by Sexton and his team.
Why the Saints Should Trade Jimmy Graham After This Season - Canal Street Chronicles

Saints | Willing to pay Jimmy Graham more than Rob Gronkowski

Wed, 26 Feb 2014 10:47:14 -0800

The New Orleans Saints have made it clear that they're willing to pay impending free-agent TE Jimmy Graham more than New England Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski's $9 million per season. However, that figure isn't enough just yet. FOXSports.com - Mike Garafolo

Saints | Still far apart with Jimmy Graham

Tue, 25 Feb 2014 21:34:37 -0800

The New Orleans Saints and TE Jimmy Graham remain far apart in contract talks, by as much as several million dollars per season.
FOXSports.com - Mike Garafolo

Read more: Jimmy Graham latest news and rumors

I doubt Graham will allow the NFLPA to appeal. He most likely agreed to let them try this test case, but not to carry it any further. You can tell he simply wants to get a deal done.