re: Saints shopping Jimmy Graham - Glazer sez done deal

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Seahawks acquire TE Jimmy Graham, 4th-round pick from Saints for C Max Unger, 1st-round pick
Remember a year ago when the Saints gave Jimmy Graham all that money? It's amazing how quickly things can change in the NFL. Graham is now gone to the Pacific Northwest, and the Saints acquired Max Unger and a first-round choice in return.

I don't think there's a concise winner in this deal, as it makes sense for both teams. For Seattle, throwing the ball to Graham in the end zone makes a lot more sense than targeting Ricardo Lockette, or any of the other mediocre targets Seattle had. Graham's presence on the field will also open things up for Marshawn Lynch, who won't face stacked boxes anymore. More importantly, Wilson finally has a stud weapon to work with, so he'll be even better in his fourth season.

Wilson, however, loses a center, but that's not a huge deal because of how mobile he is. It would mean far more for a pocket-passing quarterback, but the offensive line isn't as prevalent for Wilson. It is for Drew Brees, who was beaten up last year because center Jonathan Goodwin was incompetent. Unger is a huge upgrade, and the Saints are getting a first-round pick on top of it.

Brees does lose Graham though, which is huge. Perhaps the Saints will use their second opening-round draft selection on a replacement in Maxx Williams, who fits the range at the end of the first round, though I currently have Williams going in the second frame. For more, check out my 2015 NFL Mock Draft, which was updated today.

Grade for Seahawks - B+
Grade for Saints - B+

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