A familiar face arrived at the Mercedes Benz Superdome this past Sunday in the visitor’s colors. The New Orleans Saints defeated the Seattle Seahawks 25-20 in Jimmy Graham’s return to New Orleans. This was Graham’s first time in the Big Easy since his trade in March of 2015. While we aren’t that far removed from the deal, it seems like a good time to take a look at how things have worked out thus far.
After Further Review: The Jimmy Graham Trade
First, there is no denying the drop off in productivity for Graham since his departure. He went from an offensive focus in New Orleans in his first five seasons (averaging 950 yards and over ten touchdowns per year) to a 2015 campaign which resulted in 605 yards and two touchdowns. The lack of production was a combination of an injury-shortened season and the change in offensive philosophy in Seattle. Jimmy Graham’s 2016 season thus far is showing more promise as through seven games this season, he has 442 yards and a touchdown.
Comparing Graham’s production to his successors in the past year and a half show the Saints have handled the trade well thus far. The 2015 season featured veteran Benjamin Watson filling the role with very capable hands, finishing the year with 825 yards and six touchdowns. These numbers are both significantly higher than what Graham produced. In 2016, Coby Fleener brought in to hold the position and has performed well. Fleener’s 317 yards are fewer than what Graham has thus far, but Fleener has found the end zone twice versus Graham’s solo score.
Two Sides to Every Trade
While the New Orleans Saints’ phenom was the big name in the trade, there were two other very important pieces to this puzzle. Super Bowl Champion and two-time Pro Bowler Max Unger was brought in to solidify a depleted and aging offensive line. Also, Seattle’s 2014 first-round draft pick was sent to the Saints in the deal. That pick translated to Clemson Tiger Stephone Anthony.
Unger has started all 23 games since his arrival. He has made the impact up front that the Saints had hoped for. As a result of the improved offensive line’s play, Drew Brees has continued to not only keep himself on the field, but continue his mind-blowing pace at the passing record books. The Saints are very happy with the return on this investment.
Stephone Anthony is a bit tougher to measure.
Anthony had an incredible 2015 campaign. With 70 solo tackles and 42 assists, Anthony led the team in tackles in his rookie year. Oddly enough, he was also the first player in NFL history to return a blocked extra point for a two-point score (rule added for the 2015 season). He also returned a fumble for a touchdown in that same game versus division rival, the Carolina Panthers.
2016 has been different for Anthony. For one, the pre-season hamstring injury has slowed the second-year linebacker’s progress to return to his rookie year form. Also, the arrival of new defensive coordinator Dennis Allen has changed how the Saints have used Stephone Anthony. He has become more of a specialty player in the new scheme. Finally, the emergence of players like off-season acquisition and former Atlanta Falcon Nate Stupar have cut into Anthony’s time on the field.
When you add all the pieces up, it appears the New Orleans Saints made out better than the pessimistic fans initially anticipated. The contributions of the replacement tight ends in 2015 and 2016 along with the two players received in the trade from Seattle have added up to an improved team. When you add it all up, there are no regrets in the Big Easy!
