Earlier this week, the Saints reunited with former All-Pro tight end Jimmy Graham. He signed a one-year deal with the franchise that drafted him back in 2010.
Following this Saturday’s practice, Graham spoke to the media about his return to New Orleans.
Graham revealed that he actually thought about retiring before agreeing to a deal with the Saints. In fact, they were the only team he wanted to play for this season.
“I had a couple of teams that were reaching out, all teams that made the playoffs,” Graham said, via ESPN. “I just couldn’t see myself wearing another jersey again. I just wanted, hopefully, if there was ever another opportunity to come back home, to make it happen. It did, and I’m here now.
“…. I talked to [my agent] Jimmy Sexton and just made it clear if I don’t retire as a Saint, then I wasn’t going to play again.”
Jimmy Graham: I talked to my agent and made it clear that if I wasn’t going to retire a Saint, then I didn’t want to play again.
— Katherine Terrell (@Kat_Terrell) July 29, 2023
In five seasons with the Saints, Graham had 386 catches for 4,752 yards and 51 touchdowns. He formed such a lethal duo with Drew Brees.
Even though Brees is no longer under center in New Orleans, Graham has to feel good about having Derek Carr as his quarterback.