The Green Bay Packers released tight end Jimmy Graham on Thursday after two underachieving seasons. His 2019 stats of 38 catches for 447 yards and 3 touchdowns, were similar to his 2018 season and the Packers were looking for something more.
Graham, 33, was scheduled to take up the second-most salary cap space for tight ends in the NFL. His projected $11.66 for 2020 was only slightly behind Philadephia Eagles star Zach Ertz ($12.23 million).
Graham holds a couple of NFL records including the only TE to register four consecutive seasons with 85+ catches (2011-14), and the only TE with two seasons of 1,200+ receiving yards and 10+ touchdowns (2011 and 2013). Both of these records occurred in his prime with the New Orleans Saints.
Without Graham, the Packers will save $8 million in salary-cap space. A source told ESPN last month that Green Bay is expected to pursue tight end Austin Hopper during free agency to replace Graham and improve the offense.
