Jimmy Graham, Saints Agree to Contract; 36-Year-Old TE Last Played for Bears in 2021

After a year away from football, veteran tight end Jimmy Graham is returning to a familiar situation.

The New Orleans Saints announced on Tuesday that they have signed Graham to a one-year deal, bringing him back to the team with which he spent the first five years of his career. The 36-year-old last played for the Chicago Bears in 2021.

Graham reacted to his return on Twitter:

A five-time Pro Bowl selection, Graham was drafted by the Saints in 2010 and quickly established himself as one of the best tight ends in the NFL. He enjoyed the best years of his career in New Orleans, surpassing 1,000 receiving yards twice and leading the league with 16 receiving touchdowns in 2013.

The Saints traded Graham to the Seattle Seahawks prior to the 2015 season. He later signed with the Green Bay Packers in 2018 and then he joined the Bears in 2020. The 12-year veteran has career numbers of 713 receptions, 8,506 yards and 85 touchdowns, the fourth most touchdowns by a tight end in NFL history.

In addition to bringing back Graham, the Saints also signed five-time Pro Bowl guard Trai Turner to a one-year deal on Tuesday. The New Orleans native returns home after beginning his career with the Carolina Panthers in 2014 and also spending one season each with the Los Angeles Chargers, Pittsburgh Steelers and Washington commanders.

Adding veterans like Graham and Turner should benefit star quarterback Derek Carr, who signed with the Saints this offseason. After missing the playoffs in each of the last two years, New Orleans has made strong moves to position itself to contend for a spot in the postseason in 2023.