Rumor: Seattle to move on from TE Jimmy Graham; Jeff Zrebiec expects Ravens to pursue him

Free agency officially begins next Wednesday, March 14, and the Seattle Seahawks are already slated to move on from tight end Jimmy Graham.

Graham spent his first five seasons with the New Orleans Saints, and was viewed as one of the best tight ends in the league during his time there. In those five seasons, Graham had 4,752 receiving yards and 51 touchdowns, twice eclipsing 1,000 yards in a single season, and scoring double digit touchdowns in three seasons. After the 2014 season, Graham was signed to a four-year, $40 million contract.

Graham was traded to the Seahawks in 2015, along with a fourth-round pick in exchange for the Seahawks’ first round pick (No. 31 overall) and center Max Unger. While still productive, Graham saw a dip in performance during his stint there. In three seasons with the Seahawks, Graham had 2,048 receiving yards and 18 touchdowns, failing to reach 1,000 yards in a single season and only hitting double digit touchdowns in one (2017).

Now, at 31 years old, Graham will hit the open market as a free agent. He is expected to draw interest from several teams, including the aforementioned Saints.

Jeff Zrebiec of the Baltimore Sun expects the Ravens to have interest in the 6’7’ red-zone threat.

Ravens’ quarterback Joe Flacco has had success throwing to good tight ends over his career (Heap, Pitta, Watson). Graham could be a great fit for Baltimore, who is in need of pass-catching tight end. His price range may be a little too steep for the Ravens to handle, however, especially if they really do score a top wide receiver such as Jarvis Landry or Allen Robinson.

The next few weeks will be very interesting to see play out, and Baltimore Beatdown will be here to report the news as soon as it breaks.