Jimmy Graham to appeal arbitrators decision
 

Jimmy Graham isn't satisfied with the NFL's ruling.

The New Orleans Saints star has appealed the league's arbitration decision that he is a tight end for franchise tag purposes, NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported Monday, per a source with knowledge of the situation. Graham wishes to be considered a wide receiver.


Graham filed the appeal hours before the Monday night deadline. A three-member appeals panel will oversee the case under the rules of the collective bargaining agreement.

Arbitrator Stephen Burbank ruled earlier this month that Graham is indeed a tight end. Under the franchise tag for the position, Graham would make $7.053 million in 2014, compared to $12.3 million for receivers. Graham had filed a grievance arguing that he should be designated as a wide receiver because he spent more time out wide and in the slot than at the line of scrimmage.

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Re: Jimmy Graham to appeal arbitrators decision
 

Just when we thought it was over...

Re: Jimmy Graham to appeal arbitrators decision
 

Ikr... I was thinking the same thing, well we still have time to sign him till tomorrow!

Re: Jimmy Graham to appeal arbitrators decision
 

All the confidence a long term deal would get done just got crushed.

I thought the initial arbitration was a little ridiculous given that he IS a TE and shouldn't have had to have all that for him to be deemed so. But to appeal the arbitrators decision? That's just foolish.

Re: Jimmy Graham to appeal arbitrators decision
 

ESPN's Adam Schefter reports the Saints and franchise player Jimmy Graham are "closing in" on a deal that would make Graham the highest-paid tight end in league history.

Reports of a long-term deal have been seconded by FOX Sports and Profootballtalk. The sides have until Tuesday to finalize a long-term agreement. If talks fall apart, Graham would be forced to play out 2014 under the tight-end franchise tag (though he's appealed his tag as a tight end). Graham will blow by the $16 million guaranteed — the most for any current tight end — Dennis Pitta and Jared Cook earned in their recent deals.

Source: Adam Schefter on Twitter

Well... this is a little awkward.

Re: Jimmy Graham to appeal arbitrators decision
 

Re: Jimmy Graham to appeal arbitrators decision
 

:popcorn:

Re: Jimmy Graham to appeal arbitrators decision
 

Lol. This is getting crazy! Maybe Mickey and Jimmy are waiting to the last second just to mess with everyone.

Re: Jimmy Graham to appeal arbitrators decision
 

That is how Mickey typically does these things... I love the guy but damn he stresses me out with this stuff LOL.

Re: Jimmy Graham to appeal arbitrators decision
 

A deal will get done, this move was the only leverage left for Graham's agent to try at the 12 mil

Re: Jimmy Graham to appeal arbitrators decision
 

A deal will get done, now he's got to learn how to block and not disappear in big time games

Re: Jimmy Graham to appeal arbitrators decision
 

This is ridiculous.

Re: Jimmy Graham to appeal arbitrators decision
 

I guess it's just an insurance policy for JG to appeal just in case something goes wrong at the last minute?

Re: Jimmy Graham to appeal arbitrators decision
 

and who's to say that he will even win his appeal?

Re: Jimmy Graham to appeal arbitrators decision
 

They don't expect to win an appeal. It is all posturing. It was the only card left to play. It is really meaningless given the deal that will get done tomorrow.

Re: Jimmy Graham to appeal arbitrators decision
 

Then why appeal???????? This guy is really causing unwanted stress for the Saints this offseason. As awesome as his is and will be in the future I say trade him if he does not sign a long term deal tomorrow.

Re: Jimmy Graham to appeal arbitrators decision
 

Because his agent is trying to get him all the money he can

Re: Jimmy Graham to appeal arbitrators decision
 

A lot of people were surprised when the Saints didn't try to sign Graham last season. I think the deadline stress is all on Mickey.

Re: Jimmy Graham to appeal arbitrators decision
 

Last season we were strapped tighter to the salary cap than we are this year, the only reason I can think of

Re: Jimmy Graham to appeal arbitrators decision
 

Mickey just loves to make me sweat..........he must own stock in Mitchum deodorant. :wink:

Re: Jimmy Graham to appeal arbitrators decision
 

How? Training camp hasn't even begun.

Re: Jimmy Graham to appeal arbitrators decision
 

Oh, if I were Mickey!!

Re: Jimmy Graham to appeal arbitrators decision
 

Loomis hasn't lost a wink of sleep over this. I may not know much, but I'd bet the farm on that.

And y'all know what? I haven't lost a wink of sleep either. What a bunch of hooey.

Re: Jimmy Graham to appeal arbitrators decision
 

I will say this, no matter if it's on Jimmy, his agent, or Mickey, the microscope will be on Jimmy this season. People may say Im overacting, but if he disappears in a big game moment, get ready for the public backlash. Its not fair, just the world we live in.

Brees' contact was different because he brought home a championship to us. That's just how it goes.