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Jimmy Graham was signed to a three-year deal last offseason in free agency by the Green Bay Packers. Immediately following the signing, fans went crazy with high expectations. Green Bay rarely gets involved in free agency and Graham was one of the biggest names that the franchise has signed in years.
Despite all of the hype and high expectations, Graham struggled in his first year with the Packers. He did not find a consistent role in the offense and many fans are frustrated and already calling for his release.
When everything was said and done this season, Graham caught 55 passes for 636 yards and two touchdowns.
Graham was not the only part of the Packers that struggled. In fact, the entire team had consistency issues, which led to the Packers missing the playoffs for the second straight season.
Aaron Rodgers had a down season as well. After suffering a knee injury in Week 1, it was obvious for the rest of the season that Green Bay's star quarterback was not at 100 percent the rest of the year.
Even though there are fans calling for Graham to be released this offseason, there are three reasons why the Packers should refrain from giving up on their big tight end.
3. Graham Is Still a Physical Monster
Green Bay has not had a target as big as Graham for quite some time. The last time that they had a tight end with the physical ability that Graham possesses was when Jermichael Finley was on the roster.
Rodgers and Graham may not have found a great chemistry in their first year together, but his physical ability should earn him one more season.
Quite frankly, the Packers need a big tight end. Currently, there are no other tight ends that would provide the Packers with the kind of target that they need to have at the position.
2. A Fresh Coach and System
While he did not put up huge numbers, Graham showed that he still has plenty of football left to play. He caught 55 passes and was over 600 yards on the season. With a new coach and a new offensive system, Graham could find himself again and be the target that the Packers need him to be.
Mike McCarthy and Joe Philbin are good football coaches, there is no denying that. Unfortunately, it was also clear that their game plan did not come with a focus on getting Graham involved.
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Depending on who the Packers bring in to be their next head coach, Graham could see his role grow in a big way.
1. It Was Just One Year
Obviously, the expectations were high for Graham in his first season with the Packers. His track record spoke for itself when it came to production. He didn't hit that production, but it was only one season.
Green Bay signed Graham to a three-year deal for a reason. One season certainly does not dictate what the team will get from him moving forward.
Graham should be given another year and a full offseason to continue working on chemistry with Rodgers. There were times that the two were on the same page and the combination looked deadly. Releasing him after just one season would be a big mistake for a franchise that cannot afford to give up more weapons.
The Conclusion
It will be interesting to see what the Packers end up deciding to do this offseason. Graham could end up being released to save some cap space, but that could end up being a major mistake.
Green Bay's offense is not too far away from being deadly once again. They should keep the squad together for one more season.
Graham showed flashes of being the player that Green Bay wanted when they signed him. Even at 32 years old, he is still an above average NFL tight end. The Packers should stick with him and give him one more year.
