NFL Rumors: Saints suggest signing Jimmy Graham will cost them talent

The New Orleans are going to pay Jimmy Graham – this much they know.

How much? That’s still up for debate as it’s possible Graham could sign a long term deal, be franchised as a wide receiver or the most likely case, be franchised as a tight end.

Regardless, Graham is going to get paid and the Saints know to do that, they’ll likely need to cut players to stay under budget.

"“It’s very easy to say ‘you are certainly going to get this done’ but you have to understand there is a budget here,” Payton said. “That’s the challenging part. You are going to read these names that have already come across the ticker from Atlanta last week (the release of cornerback Asante Samuel and linebacker Stephen Nicholas) and we will be no different.”"

Will Smith holds the biggest savings at over $11 million dollars while Lance Moore and Roman Harper could each save the Saints around $4 million dollars (give or take).

It’s not known who the Saints will let go to create some financial wiggle room, but it’s clear a move (or multiple moves) are coming.