In a closely watched decision, the NFL Arbitrator Stephen Burbank ruled today that New Orleans Saints Jimmy Graham is a tight end under NFL’s franchise-tag rules not a wide receiver.
The NFL Players Association filed a grievance on May 7 on behalf of Graham is expected seeking to have him designated as a WR. Graham had lead the league in touchdown catches (16) last season and lined up out wide on two-thirds of the Saints’ snaps.
The NFLPA in a statement said it, “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. 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.”
Under the franchise-tag rules Graham would receive $12.312 million in 2014 as a WR verses $7.053 million as a TE. He is expected to become the league’s highest paid TE.
In the meantime, the Saints will not have to increase their one-year tender offer of $7.053 million to Graham. The deadline for signing long-term deals with franchised players is July 15.
