Pro Bowl tight end Jimmy Graham is set to the hit free agent market for the first time in his career. He is expected to entertain several offers elsewhere around the league with the Seattle Seahawks being deemed unlikely to bring him back on a new deal later this month.
Graham is still one of the most talented tight ends in the NFL that should attract plenty of attention from possibly a few Super Bowl contending teams. According to Tom Pelissero of The NFL Network, this could result in the 31-year-old seriously considering a reunion with the New Orleans Saints.
Jimmy Graham and the #Seahawks are expected to part ways in free agency, and Graham will draw interest from a bunch of teams – including the #Saints, sources say. Reunion coming?
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 5, 2018
The addition of Graham could a tremendous step in the right direction for the Saints, who made their first playoff appearance since the 2013 season. He is coming off a productive year where he recorded 57 catches for 520 receiving yards with 10 touchdown receptions, which it marked the fourth time that he has tallied 10 or more touchdown receptions.
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Although his production was down from his days in New Orleans, he has pushed his way up to the rankings in Seahawks' history ranking first in catches (170), receiving yards (2,048) and touchdown catches (18).
There is plenty of familiarity with the Saints for Graham having played his first five years in the league with the franchise where he earned the reputation of being one of the top tight ends in the NFL. This saw him haul in at least 85 receptions, 850 receiving yards, and at least nine touchdowns in four straight seasons which is impressive, to say the least. He could quickly step into a significant role in the passing game for the Saints' potent offense alongside star wide receiver Michael Thomas as one of Drew Brees' primary targets.
Graham would also provide more balance to the offense that features a formidable running game led by their Pro Bowl duo running backs in Mark Ingram and Alvin Kamara. Depending on what unfolds with Brees' contract situation, the Saints could be in the position to offer the five-time Pro Bowler. With there expected to be a busy market for Graham, New Orleans may be one of the most appealing landing spots.