Saints & Jimmy Graham “Closing In On” A Record Extension

 

ESPN’s Adam Schefter first reported that the Saints and TE Jimmy Graham are “closing in on” a long-term contract extension that would make him the highest paid tight end in NFL history.

• Schefter adds that there is “optimism” that a deal will be done before Tuesday’s deadline to negotiate with franchised players.

This news comes just a few minutes after the reports surfaced that Graham is appealing the arbitrators ruling regarding whether or not he should be considered a tight end.

The fact that Graham has officially appealed the ruling is not expected to have any effect on negotiations.

Recent reports mentioned that the Saints are still willing to make Graham the highest-paid tight end in NFL history with an annual salary of around $9.5 million, which happens to be a close to $2.5 million above the tight end franchise tag of $7.035 million.

We’ll have more regarding Graham and a long-term deal as the news is available.