Jimmy Graham isn't a slam dunk to win his grievance. (USATSI)
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Is Jimmy Graham a tight end or a wide receiver? That's a multi-million dollar question we should have an answer to by the end of next month. Graham's franchise-tag grievance hearing has been scheduled for June 17-18, according to ESPN.com.
Back in March, Graham was tagged as a tight end, but his camp believes he should have been tagged as a wide receiver. Since that didn't happen, Graham ended up filing a grievance with the NFLPA.
Basically, the matter comes down to money: a tight end hit with the franchise tag will make $7.035 million in 2014, while a receiver will earn $12.312 million. That's a $5.277 million difference, and the arbitrator will have to decide which salary Graham is entitled to.
The arbitrator's decision will also likely affect any long-term contract negotiations between Graham and the Saints.
The NFLPA will argue Graham's case and the main point will undoubtedly be that Graham lined up in the slot or as a wideout on 67 percent of the snaps he played in last season. That might sound like a lot, but it didn't lead the league. According to ESPN.com, there were at least five NFL tight ends who topped 67 percent with Ravens tight end Dennis Pitta leading the way at 74 percent.
Although the hearing date has been scheduled, it can be avoided. If Graham reaches a salary compromise with the Saints or if the two sides hammer out a long-term contract before June 17, then there will be no arbitration.
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The Cardinals say goodbye to RB Ryan Williams
The Cardinals released 2011 second round pick Ryan Williams after a brief and injury plagued stint in Phoenix. Williams was set to be the highest paid running back on the team despite not being active at any time last year. Although he didn't play last year, he was healthy after training camp, hopefully this extra time will gave him the opportunity to heal properly and get him into another teams camp this fall.Normal0falsefalsefalseEN-USX-NONEX-NONE/* Style Definitions */table.MsoNormalTable{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;mso-style-noshow:yes;mso-style-priority:99;mso-style-parent:"";mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;mso-para-margin-top:0in;mso-para-margin-right:0in;mso-para-margin-bottom:8.0pt;mso-para-margin-left:0in;line-height:107%;mso-pagination:widow-orphan;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} Williams ruptured his patellar tendon during his rookie year and and has struggled to regain his form since.
A lot of fantasy owners were very high on Williams when he entered the NFL, but every year injuries held him back from achieving his potential, fantasy or otherwise. His fantasy value is gone until he hooks on with another team, and even then it will be negligible, unless he finds the perfect fit at the perfect time.Andre Ellington took charge of the Arizona backfield last year, and could emerge as a solid RB2/3 heading into this year's draft. He may lose short yardage carries to Jonathan Dwyer and Stepfan Taylor, but his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield should make up for those lost points. Running against NFC west defenses appears to be the biggest challenge to Ellington's success in 2014. Try to grab Ellington by round four if you want him on your roster. And as always, watch those ADP's!
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