1 YEAR LATER: Grading the Saints 2015 Trades
By Kolby Smith
Nov 29, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks tight end Jimmy Graham (88) celebrates after a third quarter reception against the Pittsburgh Steelers at CenturyLink Field. Seattle defeated Pittsburgh, 39-30. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
The Jimmy Graham Trade
The Deal: Saints send Jimmy Graham and a 4th round pick(112th overall, sent to Washington to trade up for Tyler Lockett) to Seahawks for Max Unger and a 1st round pick(31st overall, Stephone Anthony)
The Winner: The Saints
Why: A year later, the Saints are the winner of this trade. The Saints got rid of a player who was rumored to be lazy and “soft’ in practice, and in return they got a second 1st round pick who they used to get a young linebacker (Stephone Anthony) who has a VERY bright future ahead of him, and a center (Max Unger) who is one of the best at his position to protect their future Hall of Fame quarterback.
This was probably the most surprising move of last offseason, and literally — nobody could believe it. Media, fans, the players, even Drew Brees was extremely shocked to see his favorite target shipped off to another team.
Drew Brees reaction to Jimmy Graham trade same as many around the nfl. Brees tells me, "I'm as shocked as everyone else. I love the guy".
— Alex Flanagan (@Alex_Flanagan) March 10, 2015
— Drew Brees (@drewbrees) March 11, 2015
The Seahawks did use the Saints 4th round pick to trade up to take Kansas State WR Tyler Lockett, who made the Pro Bowl has a return specialist in his rookie year, and flashed in the passing game.
But Graham ended the year on injured reserve; ending his year with the least yards since his rookie year with 605, and the least amount of TDs in a single season in his whole career with only 2.
Stephone Anthony finished the year starting every game and led the team in tackles with 112. Max Unger started every game also and anchored the middle of the Saints offensive line.
When the Saints offense is at their best is when Brees has good protection and doesn’t have a ton of pressure in his face, and Unger helped in that area. The Saints also got Graham’s huge salary off the books.
Going into last season, two of the Saints biggest needs were offensive line and defense; and the Saints helped shore up both in this trade. The only reason I don’t give them an ‘A’ for this trade is because the Seahawks were able to turn the 4th round pick into a young up and coming receiver.
Final Grade: B
Next: So Long Grubbs