The Tight End Question

What is a tight end?

The tight end is an offensive hybrid position that is both an eligible receiver and will step into some plays and block the defense. This position combines the attributes of receivers and linemen and will block during a running play and run a route during a passing play.

Can be referred to as a "Y receiver."

That comes from a website calling itself "Sporting Charts" and it's a horrible definition. It does get the point across that the tight end traditionally has been called upon to be part offensive lineman, part receiver. In today's game, the blocking responsibility of the tight end is going the way of the fullback. Actually, some teams are using two tight ends to do what was once done by one. Teams will have one that catches a bunch of passes but is rarely called upon to block. It's good thing too as some of these pass-catching tight ends can't even block an itty-bitty corner. Those teams will have another tight end that is a terrific blocker. He's basically an extra offensive lineman on short-yardage plays. The tight end position has changed more in the last decade than any other position in the NFL and it's causing some problems. Problems of the financial sort.

The tight end position is causing a big stink in the Big Easy. New Orleans Saints tight Jimmy Graham is a free agent. The Saints placed the franchise tag on him in March to keep from losing a very important part of their offense. Graham wants to be paid as a receiver because he produces like a receiver. The Saints want to pay Graham as a tight end because he plays tight end. The entire problem is due to the evolution of the position. Despite being several years into this rapid evolution the pay scale has yet to catch up with production of many of the players. The dollar amounts associated with the franchise tags are determined by the top average salaries in the league for that position. The tight end position just hasn't been a very high paying one. That will certainly change due to players like Graham, Rob Gronkowski, Vernon Davis, Julius Thomas, etc. The Saints and Graham would be much better served by agreeing on a long-term contract. Both would get the security that they certainly seek and this matter wouldn't be forced into the hands of an arbitrator. Some judge shouldn't be deciding whether Graham is a receiver or a tight end. If Graham was asked to name his position about a year ago, he'd say tight end. He denies it now because he doesn't want to be paid like one. He's definitely a tight end that should receive a contract closer to that of the top receivers. This is one of the flaws of the franchise tag. It might work for some positions like quarterbacks, receivers, tackles, defensive ends, corners. Positions that are traditionally paid better than the others. Franchise tags aren't going to work for positions that have recently started making an greater impact on the field, like tight ends and safeties. Two positions that are actually somewhat connected. As tight ends have taken a greater role in offenses across the league defenses have been forced to find safeties that can cover them.

Jimmy Graham and the New Orleans Saints should work this out between themselves. Graham's importance to the team can't be determined by the definition of the position that he plays. No arbitrator or franchise tag can make that decision. Training camp can't get here soon enough.