Arbitrator Stephen Burbank denied Jimmy Graham's request to be declared a wide receiver under the league's franchise-tag rules.
The NFL Player Association filed a grievance on behalf of Graham in May, arguing that he deserved to be designated as a wide receiver under the franchise tag.
Graham lined up in the slot or as a wideout on 67 percent of his on-field snaps last season, but Burbank agreed with the New Orleans Saints that the tight end position has always involved a number of different spots on the field.
The Saints will not be forced to offer the $12.132 million that comes along with a wide receiver franchise tag, and will instead maintain the tight end value of $7.053 million.
The deadline for signing franchised players to long-term deals is July 15. Graham also has 10 days to decide whether or not to appeal the decision.
Graham hasn't decided whether to appeal. He has 10 days to make that call. So theoretically could see how long-term talks go, then decide.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) July 2, 2014
