The Facts:
Now that the games have ended for the Saints, it’s time for a fight. Graham has completed his four-year rookie contract. He’s due to become a free agent on March 11. Despite the opinions of some, Graham will attract a huge offer if he hits the open market. The Saints can keep Graham from leaving (or at least make it harder) at any point from February 17 through March 3, via the franchise tag. But if/when the Saints apply the tight end version of the tag, the stage will be set for a fight over whether Graham should be tagged as a receiver.
Reported by Profootballtalk.com
Fantasy Football Diehards Line:
As PFT's Mike Florio suggests, it should be simple. Under Article 9, Section 2 of the CBA, “[T]he tender will apply to the position in which the player participated in the most plays.” So, if Graham was lined up wide or in the slot more times than he was lined up as a tight end, he’s a receiver. A significant difference exists between the franchise tag for receivers and tight ends; last year, it was $4.5 million. Florio added the Saints could counter by arguing that the tight end position has changed in recent years, and that a tight end can be a tight end without lining up half the time as a tight end. Whatever the case, if a franchise-tag fight begins, it may not continue to a conclusion. Two years ago, the Packers and tight end Jermichael Finley started down that path before working out a compromise. ... But be prepared for some heated rhetoric -- if not from the principals involved then certainly from media outlets looking to maximize the drama.
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