Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports
As Jimmy Graham heads into the final year of his rookie season with the New Orleans Saints, general manager Mickey Loomis knows that one of his top priorities has to be extending the Pro Bowl tight end. The Times-Picayune spoke with Loomis recently and his comments seemed to indicate that an extension is coming soon.
“He knows we want to have him here long-term, for his entire career, and I think he wants to be here for that same period. These things have a way of working out for us,” Loomis said.
Over his first three seasons, Graham has compiled 327 catches for 2,648 yards and 25 touchdowns. The former Miami standout has been one of the elite tight ends in the league since he’s burst onto the scene in 2010.
“We’ve got some guys that are obviously in the last year of their contract, important players to our team. We’ve talked about it, and some of those may or may not happen,” Loomis explained.
“We’re just going to see how this thing unfolds over the next couple of weeks. And it’s possible (getting a deal done), is really what I’m getting to.”
While he didn’t say that a deal is imminent for Graham, it sure sounds like his extension is one of his top items on his to-do list. Graham has been, next to Drew Brees, the second most important player on the team as of late. If an extension were to not happen, the offense would be missing a heck of a lot.
As training camp kicks off, it will be interesting to check up on this issue and hopefully Graham can get his deal done soon.
Ryan Heckman is a Senior Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @ryanmheckman, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
