Jimmy Graham files grievance via NFLPA over franchise tag

New Orleans Saints star Jimmy Graham has filed a grievance through the NFL Players Association, over a dispute as to his playing position for franchise-tag purposes.

Considered a tight end by the NFL's management council, the Saints placed the franchise tag on Graham in March.

However, Graham has claimed that he should be listed as a wide receiver, meaning that his franchise-tag salary will increase from $7.05m (£4.16m) to $12.3m (£7.26m).

From here, the NFLPA and the management council must come to a decision, although it is unknown how long this process may take.

It is believed that the grievance being filed could speed up negotiations between Graham and the Saints, with the winner of the case expected to gain significant leverage in the contract talks.

As the league's top touchdown scorer last season, Graham lined up for over two thirds of his snaps either out wide or in the slot, hence his disputing his positioning.