Packers are releasing TE Jimmy Graham on Thursday, per source. He will become an immediate free agent.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 11, 2020
As the NFL offseason gears up for the first wave of free agency, another big name player will be on the market for teams to acquire – tight end Jimmy Graham. The former Seahawk and Saint is set to be released by Green Bay on Thursday, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Graham’s release will end a disappointing two-year run in Green Bay after he signed a three-year deal prior to the 2018 season. Graham joined the Packers after a similarly disappointing three-year stretch with the Seahawks from 2015-2017.
The Seahawks acquired Graham from the Saints before the 2015 season with the hopes the then-three time Pro Bowler and All-Pro would help Seattle field a more dynamic offense off the heels of their tragic Super Bowl XLIX loss. Unfortunately, a knee injury cut Graham’s inaugural season in Seattle short and he only enjoyed one postseason run with the Seahawks in 2016.
Despite earning two more Pro Bowl nods in 2016 and 2017, as well as setting Seattle franchise records for most receiving yards (923) and receptions (65) in a single season by a tight end, Graham was seen as a bust by Seahawks fans. He never was able to put forth a dominant season like he had in New Orleans, and often suffered from crucial drops in critical situations, which likely factored into Seattle’s decision to let him walk in free agency.
However, in the end, it seems as if Graham had the last laugh over the Seahawks. His final play as a Packer – one of Seattle’s most hated rivals – ended the Seahawks’ run in the postseason.
Trailing 28-23 in the divisional round against Green Bay, the Seahawks had to get one final stop for a shot at a game-winning drive. With no timeouts left, it was Graham who picked up the controversial final first down on 3rd and 9 to ice the win for the Packers.
Green Bay went on to the NFC Championship, while the Seahawks’ fans and players had to watch the game from their couches.
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