Re: Graham designated TE by arbitrator
 

It wouldn't make sense for JG to appeal and miss the deadline for the long term deal, I think most experts would agree with the ruling, it's too risky for that extra 5 mill if things don't go his way. Even if he heads out into the open market after winning and completing his franchise tag obligations is there really another team with the quarterback, headcoach, OC combo that can put him in the same successful situation? To me it just seems irrational not to get a long term deal done

Re: Graham designated TE by arbitrator
 

And with the addition of Cooks and a blueprint to stop Jimmy with a big physical CB, Jimmy's numbers could drop quite a bit next season reducing his perceived value.

He may wanna jump on a deal right now instead of waiting.

Re: Graham designated TE by arbitrator
 

Maybe, but I don't think so. Arbitration was just a pretense for higher paying deal.
He is still going to get top dollar, but we of course can match. Somebody with a lot of cap room might try a poison-pill contract, but other than Car, Atl, Sea or SF, who would risk that? Nobody else would really gain from our loss. Sea just won it all, so it's too bold for them. SF has Davis, and Atl quite frankly would never give us two #1's.

Re: Graham designated TE by arbitrator
 

Glad to see that common sense prevailed.

Now, either they need to work out a long-term contract or settle for a tag year... just get him on the field with the rest of the offense.

Re: Graham designated TE by arbitrator
 

We may now just offer him the Gronk deal. We have all the leverage. We could just play him under the franchise tag for 2 more seasons if he refuses to sign for what we're offering.

Lets see what kind of deal he can get as a 30 year old TE that can't block and looks to be losing a step.

I think this ruling brings Sexton closer to our demands now.

Re: Graham designated TE by arbitrator
 

I see him getting more than gronk ... He will become the highest paid TE.
Burbanks arbitration report was spot on.

Re: Graham designated TE by arbitrator
 

yea jimmy we'll see, now get on your knees an apologize you crook.

Re: Graham designated TE by arbitrator
 

HE NEEDS TO PUNISH HIS GREEDY AGENT

Re: Graham designated TE by arbitrator
 

Graham, who was raised by his adopted mother to always be courteous was, for the first time that I have ever heard, acting irritated and refusing to comment when approached by the press prior to the hearing. This was according to Mike Triplett. If he was truly wanting this all to be happening he should have been happy about the hearing's occurrence, no? Everything he has ever said indicates all he wants to do is be a Saint and play the game.

Re: Graham designated TE by arbitrator
 

How can you say he is losing a step? You do know he played last season on an injured foot that has since healed and STILL led the league in TD's.

Personally, I don't think the ruling will have much effect either way. They were probably very close to making a deal but were playing the game that the NFLPA and the league "requested" them play.