An already busy day took a big turn when word broke that the Saints were open to trading tight end Jimmy Graham, but it appears things have gotten a bit further than just seeing what might be out there.
A year after signing a big extension to remain in New Orleans, Graham has reportedly been shipped to the back-to-back NFC champs.
Jay Glazer of FOX Sports reports that the Seahawks and Saints have agreed on a trade that will send Graham and a fourth-round pick to Seattle in exchange for center Max Unger and a first-round pick.
The Seahawks were known to be looking for a tight end this offseason, but there wasn’t an inkling that Graham could be their guy until shortly before Graham became their guy. He’s due a $5 million roster bonus in five days as part of the four-year, $40 million contract, but the Seahawks can absorb the contract as well as a new pact for running back Marshawn Lynch thanks in part to the low price they’re paying for quarterback Russell Wilson.
The deal could conceivably make it harder to get Wilson signed to an extension this offseason, but it probably won’t hurt Wilson’s bargaining power to have a year with a player like Graham catching his passes.