The Packers will release Jimmy Graham on Thursday, according to ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter (on Twitter). The release will be formally processed on Thursday, sending the tight end into free agency immediately.
This has been the expected move for some time. Despite Graham’s many career accomplishments, the Packers had little reason to keep him and his $11.6MM cap hit. By dropping Graham, the Packers will save $6MM against $3.6MM in dead money.
Graham was one of the league’s most dominant tight ends for a long stretch. In his first eight seasons – spent with the Saints and Seahawks – Graham earned five Pro Bowl nominations. In 2013, one of his seasons ever, Graham was also named a First-Team All-Pro after notching 86 catches for 1,215 yards and a league-leading 16 touchdowns.
After that, he inked a three-year, $30MM deal with the Packers, but he couldn’t match his previous production. In 2018, he finished out with a 5/636/2 line. Last year, he had just 38 catches for 447 yards and three TDs. It was his lowest output since his rookie season back in 2010, and it was a reminder that Father Time catches up with everyone – even the game’s greats.
While Graham won’t have an issue finding another gig, he’ll be joining a relatively deep free agent class that’s led by Austin Hooper and Hunter Henry. It’s worth noting that fellow veteran Greg Olsen got $5.5MM guaranteed from the Seahawks.
How ironic the cover picture shows Graham against the Pats.
Don’t you think?
they must have changed it, it looks like a chicago bear being run over.
The suspense with regard to the status of GRAHAM….
Is driving us all CRACKERS !!
“One of his seasons ever”.
Zach Links, ladies and gentlemen.
5 catches for 636 yards. A beast. And 2 went for touchdowns. Cant believe he didnt score on the other 3.
illowa,
Your looking at 2018 stats! 10 years in the league only 2 above 1000 yards thanks to Brees. Do your homework clown!
He was pointing out the misprinted stat line; 5 catches for 636 yards and only 2 TDs. “Can’t believe he didn’t score on the other 3 catches”.
Even 5 games for those yards would be good.
Wow 127 yards per catch
Not too shabby
He looks bad if you break down the stats, though. His first catch was for 2,000 yards. His other four catches were for -1,364. Not sure what he was doing on those plays.
Even though the Packers are our hated rivals, It’s sad to see it come to this for Jimmy G. I still think he’ll eventually be in the HOF beside Gronk and Gates.
Nope. Would have had to stay in New Orleans and take the Saints to a couple more Super Bowls with Drew Brees. As career now stands, Jimmy Graham is a footnote on Drew Brees’ HOF career as a QB.
Classic case of the glory OR the cash.
Youd have to compare his career numbers to other TEs.
Something I could care less about doing, but that’s how you find your answer.