A ruling on Jimmy Graham's arbitration hearing in the franchise-tag grievance between Graham and the Saints is expected next week, reports Pro Football Talk. Graham wants to be labeled as a receiver, and the Saints consider him a tight end.
The report says even though a ruling will happen that won't be the end of it. The losing party 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. That means there's a 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.