Tight end Jimmy Graham will not be returning to the Seattle Seahawks -- a move that most experts expected -- after he reportedly agreed Tuesday to a three-year deal with the Green Bay Packers.
NFL Network and ESPN both reported the deal, which can be made official Wednesday when free agency begins.
Graham was a free agent and chose the Packers over the Saints, the team he played for before the Seahawks.
Graham had 570 yards on 57 targets last season and hauled in 10 touchdowns for the Seahawks, a team best. He was the highest paid tight end in the league. At 6'7" and 265 pounds he is a tough matchup for most NFL defenses. But he never really quite fit in with the Seahawks scheme. His inability to be an effective blocker was often noted.
Seattle will face Green Bay at CenturyLink Field this coming season. so the Seahawks will see Graham again.
The Seahawks backup tight end, Luke Willson, is also a free agent so the position could end up being a serious problem for the team.
The Seahawks already cut cornerback Richard Sherman, who signed with the 49ers, and traded away defensive lineman Michael Bennett to the Philadelphia Eagles. Seattle also cut cornerbacks Jeremy Lane and DeShawn Shead, although there is speculation Shead could end up back in Seattle after he tests the free agent waters.
