New Orleans Saints: Is Jimmy Graham the missing piece?
Without a solid option at tight end, is it time the New Orleans Saints reunite with Jimmy Graham after trading him to Seattle?
The recent 2017 season was a great time to be a New Orleans Saints fan. Not only did the team perform better than excepted, but had very few shortcomings. It was crazy to think about them going 7-9 for multiple seasons. Obviously, their success goes hand-in-hand with good drafting, free agency pickups and players stepping up.
Even with all their success, the team had some shortcomings. One of their biggest offensive shortcomings was at tight end. After trading Jimmy Graham to the Seahawks in 2015, the Saints have yet to find a solid option. Coby Fleener had some flashes, but nothing to justify his three-year contract with the team.
Rumors about Graham are already starting up. Graham is about to hit free agency and many have speculated that he could head back to New Orleans. Even though Graham and the Saints have yet to address the rumors, it’s never too early to speculate. It might seem a little goofy at first, but Graham going back to New Orleans makes sense.
Like mentioned above, the Saints haven’t found a suitable replacement for Graham. Why not try to get him back? During his time with the Saints, Graham was one of their best players and a favorite target of Drew Brees.
Similar to how he played with Brees, Graham formed a bond with Russell Wilson and it’s hard to imagine the team giving him up. While he hasn’t been quite as successful, he’s become a favorite target of Wilson’s. Then again, Seattle is in the midst of rebuilding after losing some key players.
Thankfully, that opens the door for Graham to return to New Orleans. Not only do the Saints have some extra money to play with, but it’ll give them a chance to get rid of Fleener and gain some security at the position.
The main reasons I see Graham returning to the Big Easy is because of his compatibly with Brees and his chance at winning a Super Bowl. Brees has mentioned Graham is like a brother to him and the two fostered a great relationship, on and off the field. As for the latter, the Saints were so close to the Super Bowl last season.
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Graham is that spark the team needs to push them over the edge. He’s a playmaker, knows the Saints playbook and has previously been a part of the team. Instead of bringing in someone new or drafting, Graham is the best option.
As long as the two sides can come to an agreement, a reunion between Graham and the Saints needs to happen.