An NFL arbitrator has ruled that New Orleans Saints’ pass catcher Jimmy Graham is a tight end, not a receiver. The decision has save the Saints millions of dollars on the franchise tag they slapped Graham with.
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Graham’s argument was based on his time spot out wide, but even his quarterback Drew Brees called him a tight end. Brees did however, credit Graham with revolutionizing the position.
“At the end of the day, Jimmy Graham has revolutionized the position,” Brees told CanalStreetChronicles.com. “He’s a guy who is so talented at so many things you know and obviously he’s a big part of our offense and I hope that they’re able to reach a long-term agreement here sooner than later.”
Ultimately it was four-yards that made the difference, with an arbitrator ruling Graham a tight end because the player lines up most of the time within four yards of an offensive tackle. The Saints are reportedly not thrilled with that distinction either.
From Pro Football Talk:
"Per a source with knowledge of the team’s position, the Saints disagree with the notion that the question of tight end vs. receiver boils down to whether the player lines up most of the time within four yards of an offensive tackle. As the Saints see it, a tight end is a tight end no matter where he lines up or how often he lines up there."
Even when they win they’re not happy. Probably because they wanted to split him out even further but will need to monitor where he is line up now, especially if he plays out this season under the tag.