GRAHAM GETS SWAPPED TO SEATTLE FOR UNGER, PICK
The Seattle Seahawks acquired tight end Jimmy Graham and a fourth-round draft pick in 2015 from the New Orleans Saints for center Max Unger and a first-round draft pick in 2015, No. 31 overall.
What does it give the Seattle Seahawks
Last season's Super Bowl squad didn't have many weaknesses, but it was clear that emerging QB Russell Wilson didn't have a clear go-to receiver. Graham is exactly that: a massive target and playmaker who can help Wilson and the Seattle pass attack take the next step forward. It'll be tough to replace Pro Bowler Unger on the O-line (and there's no obvious successor) but for the Seahawks this is about adding a proven star playmaker for the offense. Expect Graham to be Wilson's obvious top option in 2015.
What does it give the New Orleans Saints
Financial issues clearly play a role here for the Saints, who have cap issues and save several million dollars by moving Graham for Unger. Moreover, with the team expected to run more often in 2015, Unger can step in and help that cause immediately (after pacing the Seahawks' dominant run game). Graham's big-play ability will obviously be missed, but it's tough to know exactly how much superstar QB Drew Brees played a role in Graham producing those prolific receiving numbers. The first-round pick should help add another key piece (and a more affordable one) for the Saints.
Fantasy impact
Graham has probably been the NFL's top fantasy tight end the past couple of seasons, but that may no longer be the case now that he's a Seahawk. His new QB (Wilson) is talented but not proven as a high-volume passer in the NFL, and Seattle will probably still be a run-first outfit (although Graham should help Wilson be a bit more productive). This trade likely nullifies any fantasy value Luke Willson had. On the Saints side of the swap, Brees gets a fantasy downgrade by losing his top target, and loses even more value with New Orleans seeming intent on running the ball more. He's still a fantasy starter, but Brees' days of leading the league in pass yards may be over now. Do give a big fantasy upgrade to clear-cut top Saints tailback Mark Ingram, however.
