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.

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.