New Orleans Saints tight end Jimmy Graham wants to be paid like a wide receiver, and he’s willing to alienate his organization to get that money.
Tom Pelissero is reporting that the NFLPA has filed a grievance against the Saints on behalf of Graham over the franchise tag designation.
The NFLPA has filed a grievance against #Saints on behalf of Jimmy Graham. Franchise-tag fight is on.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) May 7, 2014
This was the inevitable next step when no deal was struck between #Saints and Graham. Difference of over $5M could swing leverage in talks.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) May 7, 2014
The difference between the franchise tender amounts is nearly $5.3 million, with the tight end tag worth $7.035 million. The receiver tag is worth $12.312 million.
If the sides can’t reach a settlement, Graham’s case would be heard by a third-party arbitrator. The Saints want to re-sign Graham, who has 301 catches for 3,863 yards and 41 touchdowns in four NFL seasons, to a long-term deal.
Rob Gronkowski set the bar with his six-year, $54 million contract extension in 2012 from the Patriots.