Jimmy Graham's Homecoming Is Great For New Orleans

The Saints-Jimmy Graham reunion is a fascinating story, it's long overdue, but great for New Orleans.

Mickey Loomis confirmed it. Jimmy Graham confirmed it. The Saints made overtures to get Graham back in a Saints uniform several times, yet both sides could not reach a deal. "Once or twice," Loomis verified the discussions with Graham. "I don't know about how close [for a deal]...I talked to Jimmy about it a number of times in the past four or five years."

Graham stood at the podium on Day 4 of Saints training camp and gave an emotional revelation that hadn't come from him since his departure. "For me," Graham searched for words. "I've been trying to come home for a long time." It was an astonishing comment from the 36-year-old tight end, which was a Who Dat Nation favorite since being drafted by New Orleans in the third round of the 2010 NFL Draft. I recall his NFL Combine performance. Impressive, most impressive. It lit up Sean Payton's eyes and landed him in NOLA, which he considered and still considers, "HOME."

Graham's journey is compelling and layered with many trials and tribulations. Literally, the Drew Brees-to-Jimmy Graham connection pre-dated Tom Brady-to-Rob Gronkowski and the Patrick Mahomes-to-Travis Kelce show we see re-writing the NFL record books today. Brees tossed 51 touchdowns in 78 games to Graham. In addition, Big Red grabbed 386 receptions for 4,752 yards from Drew. It was a great relationship. Unfortunately, the franchise tag in 2014, a spat over wide receiver versus tight end pay, NFL arbitration, and unfriendly words exchanged behind the scenes from Payton caused Graham's abrupt exit from the Saints on March 11, 2015.   

July 29, 2023; Jimmy Graham addressing the media on Day 4 of the New Orleans Saints training camp in Metairie, LA.  Credit: Ross Jackson, Saints News Network

It wasn't of Graham's doing. Admittedly, Loomis pulled the trigger on the deal that sent Seattle's first-round pick and C Max Unger to New Orleans. "Maybe I'll get the respect of my daughter back because she killed me when we traded him years ago, and that was her favorite player," Loomis said in his pre-camp press conference.  

I've had and overheard the Brees-Graham conversations for years. "We could've used him in the 2019 NFC Championship game...If Jimmy were still here, we would have 2-3 more Super Bowl rings...Brees would've won an MVP with Graham...," and so on from fans.

The Jimmy Graham saga in and away from New Orleans has come full circle. Besides the shock and pain of being traded away to the Seahawks, Graham is a man with many layers - pilot, holding multiple degrees, philanthropist, and football player.  

"It feels amazing to be back home. Just really driving up to this ability on Monday brought back beyond-beautiful moments for me. Not only here in this building, but here in the city. I became a man in this city, and it meant everything to me to play for the city. And so to come back here and to be able to get all those amazing memories, amazing wins, amazing people, amazing fans, is truly special. It made me pretty emotional Monday, Tuesday. Just to be able to be back here and then, obviously, to be able to put my jersey back on. Words can't describe, what it feels to be gone for that long from something you love, from the people that you love."

Graham's reunion with New Orleans is a reality and a fascinating story. He and Brees could've re-written the record books together if they had more time together.  Yet, what is done, is done.

For how long will the Saints have him ready to torment linebackers and defensive backs; no one knows for sure.  From the early accounts at training camp, he has the "old look" of Jimmy Graham of the past. It will be an uphill battle for him to push up the depth chart with Juwan Johnson, Foster Moreau, and Taysom Hill in place. Look for Pete Carmichael and Ronald Curry to creatively utilize his veteran skills in camp and during the preseason games. However long Jimmy is in the black and gold, having a great player back home in New Orleans is a good feeling for everyone, Jimmy, fans, and the Saints.