The Facts: Following up on the ongoing story. ... It’s been more than a week since an arbitrator considered arguments and evidence in the franchise-tag grievance between Graham and the Saints. To date, no ruling has been issued. Per a source with knowledge of the situation, a ruling is expected next week.

Diehards Line: As PFT's Mike Florio notes, that won’t be the end of it. The losing party inevitably will appeal the outcome to a three-person panel under the labor deal. And a decision may or may not be issued before the July 15 deadline for working out a long-term deal. Which means that there’s a decent chance the decision won’t be official before the team and the player have to decide whether to work out a long-term contract or let it ride on a one-year deal with franchise tender to be determined by the appeals panel. ... Stay tuned.