Saints and Jimmy Graham Agree to New Deal

A day after Graham appealed the league's arbitration decision that he is a tight end for franchise tag purposes, the young star agreed to a new deal with the New Orleans Saints.

Graham and the Saints have agreed to a four-year, $40 million contract that makes the pass-catcher the highest-paid tight end in the league, NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported Tuesday. Between $20 and $21 million of the deal is guaranteed. The two sides have until 4 p.m. Tuesday to get the deal signed.

Shortly after the deal was struck, Graham took to his twitter account to reveal the good news:

It's official I'm bleeding black and gold this morning! Thank you WhoDatNation for all the support.
— Jimmy Graham (@TheJimmyGraham) July 15, 2014

Graham's new contract places him above Rob Gronkowski who received a six year $53 million contract extension in 2012. It also gives him a chance to explore free agency in four years while still in his early 30s.

Graham led the league last year with 86 receptions for 1,215 yards and 16 touchdowns. He had sought to be recognized and paid as a wide receiver, a $5 million difference in salary, an argument lost in arbitration and appealed. With the new deal in place his appeal becomes moot.