An arbitrator has denied New Orleans Saints star Jimmy Graham's request to be be declared and compensated as a wide receiver under league-wide franchise tag rules.
ESPN reported arbitrator Stephen Burbank ruled that although Graham lined up either in the slot or out wide on at least two-thirds of his snaps last season "the tight end position has always involved a combination of splitting out wide to run pass routes and staying in to block."
Jimmy Graham franchise tag fight
The ruling means the Saints will not be required to increase the $7.053 million, one-year offer they recently made to Graham. ESPN added the receiver tender is set at $12.132 million. Graham and the NFL Players Association can appeal the decision within 10 days to a three-member appeals panel.
With the franchise tag debate now all but over, the ruling paves the way for the two sides to now begin talks on a longer term deal. According to ESPN, the deadline for signing long-term deals with franchised players is July 15.
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"The NFLPA will review with Jimmy Graham the decision from Arbitrator Stephen Burbank which permits the player to be designated as a tight end for Franchise Tag purposes. We will advise Graham of his options and carefully determine next steps in this matter," the NFLPA said in a statement. "We will also continue to assist Graham and his representation as necessary to help the player reach a fair long-term deal with the New Orleans Saints."
Eventually Graham is expected to become one of the league's best paid tight ends, perhaps even topping the $9 million per year the New England Patriots inked Rob Gronkowski for back in 2012.
Over the last three seasons, Graham has led the NFL with 36 touchdown catches. During that same time, he has averaged 90 receptions per season to go along with an average of 1,169 yards and 12 touchdown grabs.
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