The Seattle Seahawks knew they needed a little more punch in their passing game entering this offseason, which is why they went out and traded for New Orleans Saints tight end Jimmy Graham. The three-time Pro Bowler instantly becomes the most talented pass-catcher quarterback Russell Wilson, who earlier today agreed to a lucrative four-year extension, has ever played with. Graham should be Wilson's No. 1 target in the passing game.
But is it reasonable for fans and fantasy football owners to expect the same level of production from Graham in Seattle's offense?
"Graham is a major upgrade to Seattle's passing game, but from a fantasy perspective you have to wonder if there's any way he can repeat the production he had in New Orleans," ESPN Fantasy Insider Joes Kaiser wrote. "Among tight ends last season, Graham ranked third in targets (123), second in receptions (85) and third in touchdowns (10). Since fewer passes are expected to come his way in Seattle's run-based offense, Graham will have to find the end zone more to warrant a third-round pick."
Consider this: Drew Brees averaged 41 pass attempts per game last season; Wilson averaged just 28. Even with Graham's presence, Seattle remains a run-first team. Running back Marshawn Lynch will continue to be the focal point of this offense.
That doesn't mean Graham won't be a productive player for the Seahawks. Quite the opposite in all likelihood. But fantasy football owners shouldn't expect the same type of gaudy numbers from him. Likewise, fans shouldn't expect the Seahawks to suddenly start slinging the ball all over the field. Graham's skillset will be employed within the lines of his new offense, especially in the red zone, but he will not be putting up Rob Gronkowski type stats in 2015.
