Packers: Jimmy Graham ‘not expected back’ in 2020

Jimmy Graham isn’t expected back with the Green Bay Packers in 2020.

After another disappointing season, it seemed unlikely Jimmy Graham would return in 2020.

That’s now the expectation. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport has reported that Graham “is not expected back in Green Bay” next season.

Graham currently has one year remaining on his contract, so the Packers would need to cut him or trade him to free up cap room.

Financially, the move makes sense for the Packers. By moving on, they’d free up $8 million in cap room, according to Over The Cap. Considering the Packers are somewhat limited in what they can do in free agency, creating more room makes a lot of sense, especially given Graham’s lack of production.

The former New Orleans Saints and Seattle Seahawks tight end was brought to Green Bay to become a big target in the red zone for Aaron Rodgers. But Graham’s big performances have been few and far between and he’s only caught five touchdowns in 32 regular season games.

If the Packers do indeed release Graham, it answers the first of many questions at tight end. The next will be the future of Marcedes Lewis, who is an unrestricted free agent.

With Graham not expected to be back, the Packers could decide to use the money saved to target one of the top tight ends on the market. Following the report by ESPN’s Rob Demovsky that they plan to make a move for Austin Hooper, it’s very much a possibility.

Whether they target a tight end in free agency or not, they are freeing up this money for a reason. It’s likely the Packers will be in the market for help at various positions, although it remains to be seen how many players they’ll actually be able to sign.

Free agency begins in two weeks, and the Packers have made the move everyone expected them to make.