Saints turning focus to resigning six free agents, including tight end Jimmy Graham

Saints' free agent tight end Jimmy Graham looking for a big pay day from the Black & Gold. Photo courtesy of the Saints.

Now that the Saints season is over as a result of their 23-15 road loss to the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC divisional round of the playoffs, general manager Mickey Loomis and head coach Sean Payton will have to focus their efforts on signing seven important free agents. The biggest of those, being fourth-year tight end Jimmy Graham, who caught 86 passes for 1,215 yards during the regular season with 16 touchdowns. He was targeted 144 times and averaged 14.1 yards per reception. Graham had 19 catches for 20+ yards and was responsible for 61 first downs. Both coach Payton and quarterback Drew Brees said it is crucial to resign Graham because he plays such a valuable part in the Saints' passing game and presents major match up problems for opposing defenses. The Saints could also decide to use the Franchise tag on Graham as part of their negotiations. Other key free agents include offensive lineman Zach Strief, corner back Jabari Greer, safety Malcom Jenkins, safety Roman Harper and running back Pierre Thomas.