Packers Reportedly Expected to Part Ways With Jimmy Graham as Free Agency Looms

What many Packers fans expected to happen this offseason is expected to come to fruition in the immediate future.

According to the latest reports, Green Bay is expected to part ways with tight end Jimmy Graham, who has one year left remaining on his deal. Graham, a five-time Pro Bowler, is 33 years old heading into his 11th NFL season, but his production with Aaron Rodgers wasn't what the Packers were looking for.

One potential play-maker hitting the market: #Packers TE Jimmy Graham is not expected back in Green Bay, sources say. The move with the 33-year old former free agent signing is noteable, though not a surprise for anyone involved.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 4, 2020

After signing with the Packers in 2018, Graham showed a decline in his two years in Green Bay, only tallying 93 receptions for 1,083 yards and five touchdowns. This was especially disappointing for the Packers, since they signed Graham off of back-to-back Pro Bowl years with the Seattle Seahawks.

Graham was once a first-team All-Pro in 2013 with the New Orleans Saints. His four best seasons all came in New Orleans when he was catching passes from Drew Brees. A trade to Seattle in 2015 changed the course of his career, as he was still a talented pass catcher, but his production declined in the Seahawks' offense.

With the Packers' expected release on the horizon, they're expected to save $8 million with this transaction. Graham was due $11.6 million in 2020 but only had a cap hit of $3.6 million, so general manager Brian Gutekunst will take that extra cash and spend wisely elsewhere.