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So why did the Saints move on from tight end Jimmy Graham? It wasn’t an easy decision, but there were several important reasons for it.

Per a source with knowledge of the situation, the Saints decided that the opportunity to acquire another first-round draft pick from the Seahawks and the ability to jettison Graham’s contract would allow them to devote resources to improve a defense that needs plenty of help.

More importantly, the Saints believe that they can and will move the ball without Graham on the roster. He’s had injury issues the last two years, and the Saints were pleased with the production in his absence. Also, the team ultimately saw no real correlation between Graham’s performance and team success.

While the move doesn’t create much if any 2015 cap space, it gives the Saints extra cash and clears Graham’s big-money deal from last July off the books.