For the second time in as many days, the Packers are connected with a tight end named "Graham." This time, however, an acquisition actually appears to be feasible.
According to NFL.com's Ian Rapoport, the Packers have interest in free-agent-to-be Garrett Graham, a former Wisconsin tight end that played most recently with the Texas.
Graham's name hasn't been discussed in connection with Green Bay, but Rapoport lays out the rationale.
#Packers have been fans of TE Garrett Graham since he came out of Wisconsin. Fits their scheme. But we’ll see if he makes it to the market
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 4, 2014
Graham does indeed fit the Packers' offense. Specifically, he has experience lining up as both an in-line tight end as well as split out in the slot. Graham has also spent time as an H-back in Houston. Over the past few seasons, Green Bay has utilized tight ends in the backfield to a greater degree. Graham would fit neatly in with those progressions.
Before anyone pencils Graham into their Packers' depth chart (do people even still do that?), it's possible the tight end never makes it to market. As Rapoport notes, the Texans continue to negotiate with Graham in hopes of retaining their number two tight end. The Packers aren't allowed to contact Graham until March 8, and no deal can be officially signed until March 11.
It's unclear what a potential Graham signing means for Jermichael Finley and Andrew Quarless. One could posit that the Packers prefer a more versatile tight end moving forward, a role that Graham fits. Accordingly, the team could move on from the more one-dimensional Finley and the oft-injured Quarless. Most likely, Graham is at a minimum a replacement for Quarless and a backup plan at starter should Finley depart in free agency.
This situation bears watching over the next few days. While many expect the Packers to once again refrain from spending in free agency, signing Graham could change that perception.