Jimmy Graham

ESPN's Sheil Kapadia reports Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll "gave a strong indication" that tight end Jimmy Graham would be retained for the 2017 season. "I thought Jimmy had a terrific year," Carroll said of the 30-year-old tight end. "He was explosive. He was dynamic. He blocked like he's never blocked before. He became a factor on the perimeter blocking stuff, and he's a highlight film. He's got so many big plays that he made during the year."

Fantasy Impact

Graham, who is entering his contract year in 2017, finally had his breakout campaign as a member of the Seahawks in 2016. After an injury-plagued 2015, his first year with the club in which he struggled mightily, Graham bounced back this season finishing the year with a 65-923-6 stat line while playing in all 16 games. Although the Seahawks could opt to release Graham without taking a dead cap hit this offseason -- he's due no guaranteed money of his $10 million salary for 2017 -- Seattle's best option is likely to let him play out the final year of his deal before making a decision on his future. His recent injury history and age will play a role in whether or not he will be re-signed in 2018. Graham and quarterback Russell Wilson showcased a tremendous rapport that continued to develop throughout the year. If Seattle elects to part ways with the tight end this offseason, they would have to fill a gaping hole at a position that was the Achilles heel of their offense in the years prior to acquiring Graham.

Jimmy Graham caught all three of his targets for 22 yards and a touchdown in Seattle's 36-20 loss to Atlanta.

Fantasy Impact

No one on Seattle's offense looked good after the opening drive, which ended with Graham's touchdown from seven yards out. The good news for Graham is he didn't miss a game in 2016 despite many writing him off after a torn patellar tendon in 2015. He finishes the season with 65 receptions on 95 targets for 923 yards and six touchdowns, making him the second most productive receiver in Seattle after Doug Baldwin. He looks to be a second tier TE1 with upside in 2017.

Jimmy Graham caught three passes on four targets for 37 yards in Seattle's 26-6 win over Detroit.

Fantasy Impact

All of Graham's production came in the second half. The Lions smothered Graham in the red zone, which helped provide opportunities for Thomas Rawls, Doug Baldwin, and Paul Richardson. Graham has cooled off quite a bit in the last five weeks, but he remains Seattle's best red zone weapon and a top pass-catching tight end. He'll face the Falcons in Atlanta on Saturday.

Jimmy Graham caught four passes on seven targets for 64 yards in Seattle's 25-23 win over the 49ers.

Fantasy Impact

Graham did most of his damage on a 42-yard reception late in the second quarter. He beat single coverage to catch a jump-ball from Russell Wilson but went out of bounds at the one-yard line. In the third quarter, he ran past single coverage from a linebacker for what would have been an easy touchdown had Wilson's throw been accurate. It was still a solid day for Graham, but it could have been huge. The Seahawks will host the Lions in a Wild Card game on Saturday night.

Jimmy Graham caught two passes on three targets for 43 yards and a touchdown in Seattle's 34-31 loss to the Cardinals.

Fantasy Impact

Graham wasn't a factor for most of the game, though at least some of the blame for that falls on Russell Wilson having to run for his life on almost every play. Graham's 37-yard catch-and-run put the Seahawks within one score in the fourth quarter, but he wasn't heard from before or after. In Weeks 14-16, Graham caught just four passes on nine targets. The Seahawks will face the 49ers on the road in Week 17.