The Saints' Jimmy Graham lined up next to a tackle only one-third of the time in 2013, according to Pro Football Focus. Graham lined up in the slot or out wide on the rest of his snaps. That could be significant if the Saints slap the franchise tag on Graham, an impending free agent.
New Orleans would owe Graham approximately $4.5 million more if he is classified as a wide receiver, not a tight end. However, quarterback Drew Brees told NBC Sports Radio that he considers Graham a tight end.
“He’s a tight end. We’re able to do a lot of creative things with him, just like we’re able to do with a lot of our offensive personnel," Brees said. "I feel like with Sean Payton, with our offensive system and we gear towards putting those guys in the best position to succeed according to their strengths. Jimmy Graham is six-seven, 270, he runs like a deer, he can jump and catch, he’s so strong and physical, he plays with great fire and passion, he can play the line, he can split out.”