KAPOLEI, Hawaii -- Jimmy Graham wasn't thrilled when told New Orleans Saints general manager Mickey Loomis already declared he plans on using the franchise tag on the tight end if a long-term contract can't be settled.
"That's real unfortunate," Graham said after Friday's Pro Bowl practice.
The tight end was the second pick in Wednesday's Pro Bowl Draft. He will play with Drew Brees and three other Saints teammates Sunday.
Graham said it is the team's prerogative to use the tag, but he'd rather not play on the one-year deal.
"If that happens, it doesn't really matter what I prefer," he said.
Graham caught 86 passes for 1,215 yards in 2013 and led the NFL with 16 touchdown receptions -- even though he was battling a nagging foot injury.
Graham was mum about his future contract desires, but reiterated his abhorrence for the tag.
"I'm not keen on the franchise tag, that would be really unfortunate, but that is really all I have to say about that one," he said.
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