Saints Legend Jimmy Graham Rejoining Team

Legendary Saints TE Jimmy Graham is back!

The New Orleans Saints have announced that legendary TE Jimmy Graham will be rejoining the team. Graham, 36, has reportedly signed a one-year contract with the Saints, where he played from 2010 to 2014.

New Orleans chose Graham with a third-round pick in the 2010 NFL Draft out of Miami, Fla. After a rookie season where he shared snaps with Jeremy Shockey, Graham erupted onto the scene in 2011.

Graham caught 99 passes for 1,310 yards and 11 touchdowns to pace a historic New Orleans offense in 2011. He'd follow that up with 85 receptions for 982 yards and nine scores in 2012. In 2013, Graham caught 86 balls for 1,215 yards and an NFL-high 16 touchdowns, also a franchise record. During his final season of 2014 with the Saints, he'd have 85 receptions for 885 yards and 10 touchdowns. 

In 2015, Graham was unceremoniously traded to the Seattle Seahawks for C Max Unger and a first-round draft choice. He'd play three seasons in Seattle, two more in Green Bay, and two seasons with the Chicago Bears. He was out of football last season. 

Graham has 713 receptions for 8,506 yards and 85 touchdowns through his 12-year career. He had 386 catches for 4,752 yards and 51 scores in five seasons as a Saint. His 99 receptions in 2011 were a franchise record until broken by WR Michael Thomas in 2017. His 1,310 receiving yards in 2011 are a franchise record for tight ends, while his 16 receiving touchdowns in 2013 remains the franchise record.

December 26, 2011; New Orleans Saints tight end Jimmy Graham (80) after a reception against the Atlanta Falcons. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY

Despite playing only five years with the Saints, Graham is sixth in franchise history for career receiving yards and catches and second in receiving touchdowns. He is tops among all tight ends in team history in all three categories. 

Graham was an athletic mismatch during his prime. At 6'7" and 259-Lbs., he still presents a matchup advantage as a receiver because of his size. He'll compete at a tight end position for the Saints that includes Juwan Johnson, Foster Moreau, and Jesse James.