A lot of people laughed when the Chicago Bears handed Jimmy Graham the sizable two-year contract they did. The 34-year old had 447 yards and three touchdowns in 2019. His lowest totals since his rookie season. It’s clear as days he’s washed up. The guy has nothing left. What is the point of giving him all that money?
Well for one, the Bears don’t believe Graham is as used up as people think. Yes, he had a down season in Green Bay but the truth is that team never designed their offense around making him one of the featured targets. Aaron Rodgers has a long history of focusing on wide receivers rather than tight ends. By contrast, the Bears offensive system features that position prominently as evidenced in Kansas City and Philadelphia. Graham himself said the scheme reminds him a lot of what he played in with the New Orleans Saints.
So they think a friendly offense can still get a good season or two out of him. However, that isn’t the only reason they brought him aboard. Another is his character. Graham has embraced his role as a veteran mentor in recent years, working hard to help younger players improve. A great example is Packers former 3rd round pick Jace Sternberger.
He was drafted last season to eventually replace Graham, who could’ve easily given him the cold shoulder. Instead, he took mentoring the rookie as a personal challenge.
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Jimmy Graham is exactly the guy needed to push Cole Kmet
It became pretty clear during the NFL draft that the Bears had been targeting Notre Dame tight end Cole Kmet. It’s not a big surprise. A local kid with outstanding intangibles, a huge body, and great athleticism? He fit the typical profile of previous high draft choices under Ryan Pace. The one concern experts had with him was inexperience. He only started one full season for the Irish. He’d require some time to polish up.
Knowing this, the signing of Graham makes a little more sense. His vast experience in the league and knowledge of this type of system could be invaluable to a young kid like Kmet. Combine that with his positive attitude as a mentor? Chicago knew exactly what they were doing when they signed him back in March. He’ll have the mantle early on, but sooner or later Kmet is going to be the guy. If he’s willing to work hard and take it that is.