An NFL arbitrator has ruled that New Orleans Saints player Jimmy Graham is a tight end.
Graham had contended he was a wide receiver which would have earned him more money under the NFL’s franchise tag. Graham will earn $7.05 million during the 2014 season instead of the $12.3 he would have made as a wide receiver.
The case for Graham was that he played two-thirds of his snaps as a wide receiver. Ironically Graham lists himself as a tight end on twitter.
Saints coach Sean Payton and general manager Mickey Loomis were among those to argue against Graham
Graham will have the chance to appeal Burbank’s ruling.
“We will advise Graham of his options and carefully determine next steps in this matter. We will also continue to assist Graham and his representation as necessary to help the player reach a fair long-term deal with the New Orleans Saints,” the NFL Players Association said in a statement.
The ruling of Graham as a tight end will affect players outside of New Orleans who had been waiting to sign new deals. A group that includes Julius Thomas in Denver and Vernon Davis in San Francisco.
