News & Info/Headlines
In a move that will have major fantasy football implications, the New Orleans Saints and Seattle Seahawks have agreed on a trade sending Pro Bowl tight end Jimmy Graham to Seattle for multiple draft picks and center Max Unger, according to various media reports.
The Seahawks have offered a range of picks that would include at least one future first-rounder.
In his five seasons with the Saints, Graham had more receptions, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns than any other tight end in team history.
So why did the Saints move on from Graham?
According to Profootballtalk.com's Mike Florio, it wasn’t an easy decision, but there were several important reasons for it.
Citing a source with knowledge of the situation, Florio explained the Saints decided that the opportunity to acquire another first-round draft pick from the Seahawks and the ability to jettison Graham’s contract would allow them to devote resources to improve a defense that needs plenty of help.
Remember, Graham, who signed a four-year, $40 million deal last year had a $5 million roster bonus due in two days.
In addition -- and importantly, Florio reports the Saints believe that they can and will move the ball without Graham on the roster. He’s had injury issues the last two years, and the Saints were pleased with the production in his absence. Also, the team ultimately saw no real correlation between Graham’s performance and team success.
While the move doesn’t create much if any 2015 cap space, it gives the Saints extra cash and clears Graham’s big-money deal from last July off the books.
Meanwhile, as ESPN Stats & Information points out, Seahawks tight ends combined for 48 receptions in the 2014 season, sixth fewest in the NFL. Quarterback Russell Wilson didn't target his tight ends once in the Super Bowl loss to the Patriots. It was the first time in his career he didn't target a tight end in a game.
While Seattle hasn't been fantasy-friendly destination for tight ends, Graham isn't Zach Miller. That said, his draft value is likely to dip this summer due to this change. Smart fantasy owners will take advantage of that.