Dec 22, 2013; Charlotte, NC, USA; New Orleans Saints tight end Jimmy Graham (80) scores a touchdown during the game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Panthers win 17-13. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports

The New Orleans Saints and tight end Jimmy Graham will do what they can to work out a long term contract extension this offseason. But if the two sides can’t find a middle ground, Saints general manager Mickey Loomis says the team plans to franchise tag their star tight end.

#saints gm Mickey Loomis said the team will franchise tag Jimmy Graham if the ten has to. In other words, he’s not going anywhere.

Of course, that may not sit well with Graham who according to Loomis would be tagged as a tight end because ‘that’s where he was drafted’.

Rumors swirled in recent weeks suggest Graham doesn’t mind being franchise tagged however wants to be paid as a wide receiver, not as a tight end understandably. Last season, the difference between the two positions franchise tag was almost $5 million dollars.

Either way, it does not appear Graham will be going any place soon and the disparity on money from a tight end to a wide receiver could make Graham a bit more willing to sign long term.