It's been a long offseason of dispute between Jimmy Graham and the New Orleans Saints. The Saints originally placed the franchise tag on Graham, which would have paid him an average of the top 5 highest tight end salaries in the NFL. However, Graham was unhappy with this decision because of his unconventional position. Graham and his agent claimed that because he lines up as a reciever on more than 50% of the team's offensive snaps that Graham should be paid as a top wide reciever rather than a top tight end. However, an arbitrator ruled that Graham was a tight end rather than a wide reciever.
The Saints and Graham had untill 4 PM EST today to strike a deal. As Saints fans began to worry, their superstar tight end gave them reason to celebrate with the following tweet:
It's official I'm bleeding black and gold this morning! Thank you WhoDatNation for all the support.
— Jimmy Graham (@TheJimmyGraham) July 15, 2014
Although specific details of the contract have not yet been disclosed, ESPN Insider Adam Schefter tweeted that it is fully expected to be the most lucrative contract for a tight end in NFL history. Graham is arguably the most dominant tight end in the league, as his 6' 7" 265 pound frame makes him a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses. In just four seasons in the NFL, Graham has put up prolific numbers including 301 receptions for 3,863 yards and 41 touchdowns. The happiest person in New Orleans right now isn't Jimmy Graham, but quarterback Drew Brees.