Saints, Jimmy Graham Go To Arbitration

The arbitration case between all pro tight end Jimmy Graham and the New Orleans Saints is being heard beginning today. What's at stake is about 5 million dollars. The Saints placed the franchise tag on Graham. This would require the team to pay him the average salary of the top 5 players at his position. That's about 7 million dollars for a tight end. Graham contends he should be treated (and paid) as a wide receiver, because he lined up split wide, or in the slot 67% of the time. If the ruling is in his favor, that means a salary of nearly 12 million. The Saints contend Graham attended tight end meetings, and refers to himself as a tight end on his Twitter page. Si.com reports a ruling is expected next week.