NFL Notes: Saints, Raiders, Bengals & Redskins

Saints

According to Mike Triplett of ESPN.com, “there is very little chance” of contract issue involving the Saints and TE Jimmy Graham dragging out in training camp.

In fact, Triplett writes that he would be “shocked” if Graham isn’t signed to a long-term deal by the time the July 15 deadline to negotiate with players who received franchise tags passes.

Triplett adds that the grievance hearing regarding whether or not Graham should qualify as a receiver on June 17-18 could end up providing some incentive to get a deal done July deadline.

Depending on how the grievance hearing plays out, Triplett estimates that Graham’s next contract could pay him as much as $10 million annually if he’s considered a tight end, or $12.3 million as a receiver.

If he were to play out the 2014 season under the franchise tag, Graham is looking at a salary of either $7.035 million (tight end) or $12.321 million (tight end) .

Last year, 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.

Raiders

Paul Gutierrez of ESPN.com addressed the possibility of veteran LB Kevin Burnett being on the chopping block this summer.

Gutierrez has previously mentioned that the addition of first-round pick Khalil Mack could be an indication that Burnett is expendable.

Interestingly enough, Burnett chose not to attend voluntary OTAs this past week, despite the fact that the Raiders two most promising young defensive players — Mack and Sio Moore — happen to both play linebacker.

Gutierrez mentions that trade is a possibility if the Raiders were able to get something in return for him, but his contract could prove to be inhibiting factor.

Burnett, 31, signed a two-year deal worth $5.25 million, which included a $1.285 million signing bonus.

Last year, 103 tackles, 2.5 sacks, an interceptions, three forced fumbles and a recovery. Pro Football Focus has him rated as the No. 24 outside linebacker in a 4-3 system out of 35 qualifying players.

Bengals

According to Cole Harvey of ESPN.com, “it’s anyone’s guess” as to whether or not Bengals DT Geno Atkins will fully recovered from his season-ending ACL injury by the start of the season.

Harvey mentions that the Bengals remain “hopeful” that Atkins will be, but it’s been hard to get a read on the situation as Atkins has reportedly dodged any attention since suffering the injury.

In the event that Atkins isn’t ready to go, Harvey expects Devon Still and Brandon Thompson to take on larger roles with Still seeing time at nose tackle. 

It’s worth mentioning that there hasn’t been any real indication that Atkins won’t be ready, so this is really just a situation to keep an eye on in the coming months.

Redskins 

Tanard Jackson has been out of the league for two years due to suspensions handed down by the NFL for substance abuse violations. The Redskins initially released Jackson shortly after he was restated, but would later sign him with the intention of giving him an opportunity to compete in OTAs.

However, JP Finlay of CSN Washington writes that, even with a minimum contract, Jackson could ultimately be could be expendable due to the depth at safety.

As of now, the Redskins have Brandon Meriweather, Ryan Clark, Bacarri Rambo all on their roster.

Redskins new HC Jay Gruden mentioned that Jackson looks better than expected given how long he has been away from the NFL.

“He doesn’t look like he’s been away for two years. He’s done a good job,” Gruden said. “He’s mentally into it, physically he’s in good shape, a lot better shape than we were thinking he would be, so he’s done a good job.”

Although, Gruden did admit that this could be his last shot in the NFL.

“This is probably his last go around,” Gruden said. “So he’s going to make the most of it, I’m sure he’s a good person, a good player and hopefully he’ll learn from his mistakes off the field and perform at a high level like we know he’s capable of.“