Settlement Unlikely Between The Saints & Jimmy Graham As Hearing Begins

 

Ian Rapoport reports that a settlement between the Saints and TE Jimmy Graham is unlikely before a determination is made in court regarding whether he should be considered a wide receiver or a tight end.

The two-day arbitration meeting is getting underway Tuesday, so we should have a much better idea of how this situation will play out later in the week.

• Joel Corry mentions that a ruling could take about a week.

The difference between the receiver ($12.3 million) and the tight end ($7.035 million) designation is considerable, with Graham having a lot to gain in this situation both now, and in future negotiations.

This decision will certainly set a precedent for other tight ends who line up outside the traditional positioning.  Jared Cook and Jermichael Finley have already made such overtures, according to Triplett.

Graham managed to put together a very good season, despite the fact that he was hampered by a foot injury for a good portion of the year.  He totaled 86 receptions for 1,215 yards receiving and 16 touchdowns and was rated by Pro Football Focus as the No. 1 tight end in the league.