The New Orleans Saints have come to an agreement with star tight end Jimmy Graham by signing him to a four-year, $40 million contract, making him the highest-paid tight end in NFL history.
Graham’s deal includes $21 million in guaranteed money according to reports.
This ended a heated battle between Graham and the Saints, which involved an arbitration hearing that ruled him as a tight end.
Graham had wanted to be considered a wide receiver and be paid like one, but his Twitter account description was used against him since he classified himself as a tight end in his bio.
The 27 year-old had the best season of his career in 2013 by finishing with 86 catches, 1,215 yards and 16 touchdown catches. He has led the league in touchdown catches over the last three seasons with 36.
Graham tweeted his delight at signing for the Saints:
It's official I'm bleeding black and gold this morning! Thank you WhoDatNation for all the support.
— Jimmy Graham (@TheJimmyGraham) July 15, 2014
The deal was done just in time before the deadline for franchise-tagged to sign long-term contracts.
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