While the New Orleans Saints are not technically a Mississippi team, many in this state have unofficially adopted the Saints as their favorite.

That is why so many Mississippians have kept an eye on arbitration between the Saints and tight end Jimmy Graham.

Granted, he has reason to ask for more money; he has put up the numbers. During his second year the former basketball player caught 99 passes for 1,310 yards.

Over the course of his three-year term with the Saints he has racked up 270 catches for 3,507 yards and 36 touchdowns. Those are not statistics to scoff at.

He is also known for his stature, which grants him the ability to catch passes above many other player’s heads. And of course for his celebratory slam-dunks over the field goal posts, which will now carry a penalty in the upcoming NFL season.

So, it was understandable he would request more money. As with any job when an employee performs above expectations they tend to request more compensation.

Earning that many catches and scoring plays should put him in the running for a wide receiver position, which reportedly earn $5 million more than a tight end.

However his attempt to make the transition to wide receiver fell through when the arbitrator sided with the Saints and the NFL.

The Saints were able to come to an agreement with him Tuesday, meaning the Saints head into the next season with one part of a powerful offense.

Graham has agreed to a four-year deal that will guarantee him at least $21 million, but could be worth as much as $40 million.

It’s not wide receiver pay, but it was enough to hold on to one of the Saints more versatile players.

So, as we head into another NFL season Mississippi residents will tune into their local television stations to watch Drew Brees, Graham and the rest of the New Orleans Saints try for another Super Bowl win.