Saints legend remains unsure about retirement from the NFL

The New Orleans Saints got some good reps from Jimmy Graham in 2023. Some would argue that they could have gotten even more from the veteran. Regardless, the reunion worked well for both sides. Now, will New Orleans bring him back? Graham has said that he will retire a Saint, but he also hasn't announced his formal retirement from the NFL. 

Why is that? Katherine Terrell, an ESPN Staff Writer, gave an update on Graham's situation regarding retirement.

Jimmy Graham hasn't made a decision about retiring yet

"I'm gonna reach out to the Saints and figure out what's best, and then make the decision on when it's best for me to retire." -- Graham via ESPN

It seems like Graham is open to playing at least one more season, but it would have to be with the Saints. He doesn't want to wear anything but the black and gold again in the league, and fans will appreciate that. 

"I just want to make sure when I retire, it's as a Saint, and it's when they want me to. I'll just make sure I give them a call and see exactly when they want me to retire and then I'll end up doing it."

Graham posted a message to Saints fans in March. It felt like a retirement post, but it did not actually declare anything set in stone. Check out his caption below.

"Things ended rather quickly after the season. I didn’t have time to speak to the media and express my gratitude and heart for what New Orleans has meant to me. Thank you for taking a chance on a kid who many didn’t believe could do it. In that jersey I have everything I had every day. I wish our time had been many more years but I’m grateful for every snap I was given⚜️New Orleans has clearly meant the worlds to Graham. He was so happy to wear the black and gold once again last year, and you could tell by his emotions on the field."

As for New Orleans, they just lost starting tight end Juwan Johnson to an injury that's expected to keep him out through, at least, training camp. 

He could miss more time, which may affect his status to begin the regular season. Accordingly, TE depth becomes even more important. Graham has spent time around the veterans on the offensive depth chart already, so bringing him back could make some sense for the Saints. 

It sounds like Graham will let New Orleans make the decision for him. If they don't look to sign him, then he may hang up the cleats.

Graham turns 38 in November. He caught four touchdowns for the Saints in 2023.