No, Saints Fans — You DON'T Want Jimmy Graham Back, and Here's Why

Addressing the false rumor surrounding the New Orleans Saints and the possible return of former tight end Jimmy Graham

New Orleans Saints fans were thrown into a tizzy earlier today by a FALSE rumor involving former Saints and current Seattle Seahawks tight end Jimmy Graham, that was started by a website known for publishing false or unreliable stories.

The website, called sportstalk 360; is a site well-known in the Sports Journalism industry for putting out "click bait" articles to draw traffic to their website, and unfortunately their story today that the Saints are allegedly interested in trading for Graham before next Tuesday's NFL trade deadline, fooled HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS of Saints fans.

As a long-time sports journalist, I can assure you personally that ANY website that fails to list a single credible source for their information, nor even bothers to actually list THE NAME of the writer of the article, is what is now referred to in this day and age as "Fake News".

I've included a screen shot of their opening paragraph, which shows their implication of why you should "believe" the story to be reliable; and you can also see for yourself that NO WRITER'S NAME is given, either.

That's a dead giveaway that the story itself, was completely false.

Photo taken from sportstalk360.com

The article states that the Seahawks "are believed to be taking calls".

Who is taking the calls? And who did they tellthat they were taking them? Where is the source or the Link to verifythis information?

Notice the incorrect grammar (it should have been written as "New OrleansISinterested"), which is yet another indication of the validity that the article lacks. (If you actually want to read this blatantly false story, click HERE).

Now on to the part where I tell Saints fans why they DON'T want Jimmy Graham back, or at least they shouldn't anyway.

Let's cut the crap and "call a spade a spade": the Saints can ALWAYS use another "weapon" for their offense; and we all know that during his time as a Saint, Jimmy Graham literally re-defined the tight end position in today's modern-day NFL.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

During his 5 seasons with the Saints, Graham reached the Pro Bowl 3 times and was named 1st-team All-Pro once, as he caught at least 85 passes in his final 4 seasons with the Saints.

But after the trade that brought center Max Unger and a 2015 1st-round draft pick (used to select former linebacker Stephone Anthony, now with Miami), Graham's production has since dropped considerably now during his 2 and a ½ seasons with the Seahawks.

He caught 48 passes for 605 yards and two touchdowns in 11 games before a knee injury ended his 2015 season.

Then last season, Graham had 65 catches for 923 yards and 6 touchdowns; which was still far below his production during his time with the Saints.

Now so far in 2017, in 7 total games Graham has 24 catches for 230 yards and 2 TD's, which isn't bad but it's not exactly then type of numbers that he used to put up.

Photo courtesy of USA TODAY Sports

Could the Saints still use him in their offense? 

Of course they could.

Graham obviously has a previous chemistry with QB Drew Brees, and there's no doubt that if the two of them ever hooked up again, that they could do some more great things together.

However...........

Here's why if you're a Saints fan, you DON'T want Graham back in New Orleans.

This year's 2017 Saints team so far, appears to be something TRULY SPECIAL.

They've reeled off 4 straight wins in a row, and now are in sole possession of 1st Place in the NFC South Division for the first time in over 4 years (2013).

More importantly: they're a YOUNG team that is still trying to learn HOW to win games, and the very last thing that they need right now is any sort of potential for a distraction.

Photo courtesy of The New Orleans Advocate

Bringing back Graham would have the potential to KILL any chemistry that this young team is starting to develop during this current winning streak.

For those Saints fans who may have forgotten: one of the reasons WHY Graham was traded was because he was considered to be a spoiled player (or a "prima donna") that once he reached a certain level of stardom, wanted to be pampered or treated better than everyone else.

Now grant it: those stories were NEVER substantiated, but it was obvious that there was a lot more going on "behind the scenes" besides what had been widely reported.

The original source of any friction or a "rift" between Graham and Saints management was over the terms of a new contract; in which Graham demanded that he paid the same money that WIDE RECEIVERS make in the NFL, instead of being paid as the tight end that he was (which would have been less).

As the situation grew acrimonious and Graham was threatening a potential hold-out for the 2015 season, the team simply decided to avoid making a bad situation worse, and pulled off the trade with the Seahawks.

Photo courtesy of The Associated Press

After he left New Orleans, Graham had some very uncomplimentary things to say about the Saints organization; which is another reason that Saints fans need to think twice about how much sense it would really make (or not make) to bring Graham back at this point.

Is it possible that Graham has had a change of heart?

Is it possible that he has matured, and his possible return could turn out to be completely beneficial to all parties involved?

The answer is "yes" to both questions.

But there is still a GREAT RISK by doing so, because the chance will always be there that things could quickly turn "sour" once again; and RUIN any success that this young and up and coming 2017 Saints team, might have the ability to demonstrate throughout the remainder of what has been a great season, so far.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

No, Saints fans — you DON'T want Jimmy Graham back.

Sometimes, things are better off left just the way that they are............