Why did the Saints sign Jimmy Graham? Tight end returns to New Orleans in NFL comeback attempt

Prepare the goalposts — Jimmy Graham is back in town.

The Saints legend had been out of the league since 2021, but is attempting a comeback in the place where his NFL career began — New Orleans. The third round selection in the 2010 NFL Draft proved to be a fan favorite, putting together his best seasons as a member of the Saints. 

Welcome home @TheJimmyGraham 👏

The Saints have signed Graham to a one-year contract ✍️ pic.twitter.com/kRo2TMPVod

— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) July 25, 2023

After a franchise tag dispute, Graham was famously shipped out of "The Big Easy" with a 2015 fourth-round pick following the 2014 season in a deal with the Seattle. The Saints acquired center Max Unger and a 2015 first round pick — which was used on Clemson linebacker Stephone Anthony at pick No. 31. 

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Unger would go on to play four seasons in New Orleans before retiring, while Anthony had two uneventful seasons before leaving for the Dolphins. Anthony would return to New Orleans for one season in 2019 and has been out of the league ever since. 

Graham was never able to recapture his level of production elsewhere — making stops in Seattle, Green Bay and Chicago before taking a one-year hiatus.

The 36-year-old might not be dunking footballs through the goalposts at the rate he used to, but the Saints will hope he can recapture some of it in what might a retirement tour for No. 80.

Why did the Saints sign Jimmy Graham?

On the surface, it's a weird move for New Orleans at this point of the offseason. Graham joins a crowded tight end room that is currently occupied by Juwan Johnson, Foster Moreau, Taysom Hill, Lucas Krull, Miller Forristall, and Jesse James.

Guess who's back?

😃 @TheJimmyGraham#Saints pic.twitter.com/yQnEtbFoNt

— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) July 25, 2023

He should be in good shape, however. 

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The tight end was training to sail around the world, but was hit by a car while riding his bike in May, as he told "The Pat McAfee Show."

"I started cycling last year because I wanted to stay in shape after football and I fell in love with it..

The dude driving just didn't see me and I thought I shattered my leg but it ended up just being a cut" ~ @TheJimmyGraham #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/oAehIi6Jo7

— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) May 11, 2023

Fast forward a few months and Graham has recovered, deciding to put the pads back on in an attempt to make the Saints' 53-man roster. 

pic.twitter.com/gqlYcK5ttq

— Jimmy Graham (@TheJimmyGraham) July 25, 2023

The Saints didn't receive enough production from their tight end room in 2022 and since their new quarterback Derek Carr has been known to target the position, it doesn't hurt to give Graham a chance. 

At the very least, it gives No. 80 a chance to wrap up his NFL career in a place he never should've left. 

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Jimmy Graham stats

Following his rookie season in 2010, Graham emerged as a reliable target for Drew Brees in Sean Payton's offense.

But the same level of success didn't follow him after Graham's departure from New Orleans.