It didn't matter if people asked why Jimmy Graham decided to sign with the Chicago Bears. Everybody was going to immediately assume it's because they offered the most money. Eight million dollars for two years for a 33-year old tight end will be viewed as overpaying from every angle. However, that didn't stop the former All-Pro from offering his own reasons for choosing this team.
During a conference call with Bears media, Graham didn't hold back on his emotions. He sounded like a player who felt he still has a lot to prove. He's not dumb. He has heard all the noise about his signing like everybody else. While there isn't much he can do about it until the actual games start, he made it clear his expectations are sky high, both for himself and the team.
Graham said his knee, which had bothered him for some time is finally healed. He has felt this good in four or five years. He feels he can still run well and that the offense crafted by head coach Matt Nagy is remarkably similar to the one that made him a star in New Orleans. It seemed like he felt his usage in Green Bay was never what it should've been.
Jimmy Graham can still be effective if healthy
It's not crazy to think that Graham still has one or two good years in him. Tight ends tend to last a bit longer these days than years past. Tony Gonzalez had four very good seasons in Atlanta during and beyond his 34th birthday. Jason Witten went to another Pro Bowl in 2017 at age 35. Antonio Gates had over 800 yards and 12 touchdowns when he was 34. Given how much Nick Foles loves to use his tight ends, Graham may yet have a career renaissance in the works.
If not? The Bears won't regret his signing as much as they have Trey Burton. His contract is structured so that they can get out of it after one season. Nobody is calling him the ideal solution, but he's the best they could get with the least amount of risk. People may not like what the Bears paid. Still, he certainly sounds motivated and sporting a giant chip on his shoulder. Players like that, especially with his talent tend to do well.
