The Green Bay Packers are expected to release tight end Jimmy Graham this week. Graham spent two seasons in Green Bay, but did not live up to his or team expectations.
Jimmy Graham continued the revolving door of tight ends in Green Bay when he signed as a free agent in March of 2018. His contract was a three-year deal worth $30 million. The $10 million annual salary in 2019 made him the highest paid tight end in the NFL.
His production, however, did not match his salary. Graham was targeted 58 times in 2019, 18th among NFL tight ends. His 38 receptions were only 20th, his 3 touchdowns 19th, and his 447 yards 18th. 2018 had been a better season, as Graham had 55 receptions (89 targets), 636 yards, and 2 touchdowns. Graham’s 5 touchdowns in Green Bay are just half of the 10 he had in his last season with Seattle, a season in which he also made the Pro Bowl.
The Packers will save $8 million in salary cap space by releasing Graham. The Packers are expected to attempt to sign free agent tight end Austin Hooper. The former Falcons tight end is a four-year NFL veteran who has made the Pro Bowl in each of the past two season. In addition, Hooper is 25 years old, eight years younger than Graham.
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