Report: Packers to release Graham after 2 seasons

The Green Bay Packers will release tight end Jimmy Graham on Thursday, ending his tenure with the team after two seasons, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Green Bay will save $8 million in cap space with the move, which could help the club pursue tight end Austin Hooper or linebacker Cory Littleton in free agency, Rob Demovsky of ESPN reports.

Graham inked a three-year contract worth $30 million in 2018 but didn't produce the type of numbers the Packers anticipated. He had 636 yards and two touchdowns in his debut campaign then posted 447 yards and three scores in 2019.

The five-time Pro Bowler will join a class of free-agent tight ends that could also include Hooper, Hunter Henry, Eric Ebron, and Tyler Eifert. Henry is reportedly likely to receive the franchise tag from the Los Angeles Chargers, which would restrict his movement on the open market.

Unlike his aforementioned peers, Graham's release means he won't have to wait until Monday when the legal tampering period for free agency opens to speak to teams.

The 33-year-old has played for the New Orleans Saints, Seattle Seahawks, and Packers over his 10-year career. He eclipsed 1,000 yards in receiving with the Saints in 2011 and 2013 and was once regarded with Rob Gronkowski as the gold standard at his position.

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