Seattle Seahawks: 20 most interesting players in 2017 – #18 Jimmy Graham

As the final month of the NFL Off-Season grinds away, we continue our 20 most interesting Seattle Seahawks for the 2017 season with superstar Jimmy Graham.

Heading into the 2016 season, there was a very real debate that Jimmy Graham deserved to be #1 on a similar list. But after coming back from a devastating leg injury to play all 16 games, there are fewer questions left to be answered for the Seattle Seahawks‘ tight end.

First of all, we should all marvel at the recovery of Graham from his torn patellar tendon late in the 2015 season. An injury that knocks most out for a calendar year, and has even derailed some career (Victor Cruz), to not miss a single game just nine months after the injury is incredible.

What was equally incredible was the production Graham gave the Seahawks during his first full season in Seattle. He caught 65 passes for 923 yards and six touchdowns in 2016, ranking second on the team in all three categories. His run-blocking will never be better than average, but he showed real growth in that area of his game.

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Even after a Pro-Bowl season, there is still a lot of mystery surrounding Graham. First, and perhaps most important, is his contract situation.

Graham has one year left on his deal and is scheduled to make $10 million in 2017. The team has resisted the possibility of cutting him to save money, but has also not openly offered an extension to him. At 30-years old, can the Seahawks afford to keep a $10 million tight end, when players like Kam Chancellor will also be free agents after the 2017 season?

As for on the field questions, there is a legitimate debate about what more Graham can give the Seahawks after his solid season last year? While it might not seem likely he can drastically improve his numbers, consider the following train of thought.

The Seahawks and offensive coordinator Darrell Bevel are still in the discovery phase of Graham. After a breakout game in 2015, he was hurt and lost for the season. He spent all off-season rehabbing, and the team was ultra careful with him at the start of the 2016 season to avoid further injury.

Now, after a full off-season with no major changes under his belt, is it possible we will see the best tight end in Seahawks history? Fans should be excited for a 100 percent healthy Graham, who will be a massive part of the offense.

How much more does he have to offer the Seahawks? We are about to find out.

Top 20 list:

20. Blair Walsh

19. Jarran Reed

Next: Seahawks' three-headed monster - Eddie Lacy

What’s your take on how Graham performed last season? Further, what kind of production are you predicting for him in 2017? Share your thoughts in the comments section.