As this past Wednesday afternoon approached, conventional wisdom had standout tight end Jimmy Graham either returning to the Seattle Seahawks or reuniting with Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints. But shortly after the free agency period officially opened, the five-time Pro Bowler had opted to join the Green Bay Packers. Via Spotrac, the deal is for three years and worth $30 million, not bad for the veteran performer who has put up excellent numbers in his eight-year NFL career. Meanwhile, the Pack has often been criticized for not being very aggressive during free agency, but new general manager Brian Gutekunst changed that a little this week.
So, what does the high-volume pass-catcher bring to quarterback Aaron Rodgers and offensive coordinator Joe Philbin's attack?
Quite the resume
A third-round pick in 2010 by the Saints from the University of Miami (Florida), Graham caught 386 passes for 4,752 yards and an impressive 51 touchdowns in five seasons with the club. But during the 2015 offseason, he was dealt to the Seahawks in a trade that involved center Max Unger, who was sent to New Orleans. His first year in the Pacific Northwest was a bit disappointing and ended prematurely due to a knee injury. But he rebounded in 2016 with 65 catches for 923 yards and six scores on his way to another Pro Bowl. This past season, he was a big reason quarterback Russell Wilson led the NFL with 34 touchdown passes.
He finished second on the club with 57 grabs -- albeit for only 520 yards -- but led the team with 10 TD receptions. Now it’s off to “Titletown” as Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers look to bounce back from a 7-9 campaign.
What does he bring to the Packers?
For any numbers of years, the Green Bay Packers have attempted to fill a gap at tight end that was opened when Jermichael retired after just six seasons.
Injuries would take their toll on the 2008 third-round pick from the University of Texas. The club used another third-round pick in ’14 on Richard Rodgers, who has had his moments but is testing free agency at the moment. In 2016, they signed Jared Cook and he certainly made his presence felt. Last offseason, there were the free agent additions of Lance Kendricks and Martellus Bennett, the former still with the team.
But Graham could really give the Packers’ attack that Finley-type feel and make Rodgers even more potent – if that’s possible. Add in a running game that improved a bit last season and Green Bay’s offense could be very potent once again.
