In a day of blockbuster trades, the defending NFC Champs executed one of their own as the Seattle Seahawks acquired Pro Bowl tight end Jimmy Graham in exchange for center Max Unger and a first-round pick.

In Graham, the Seahawks are getting the ultimate mismatch at tight end and really the only player they have that can’t be stopped with one-on-one coverage in the passing game.

Graham had a “down year” in 2014 and still caught 85 passes for 889 yards with 10 touchdowns.  That was following a 2013 campaign where he caught 86 balls for 1,215 yards with 16 touchdowns.  The former University of Miami basketball player has started 50 games in his career and has caught 51 touchdown passes.

New Orleans gets a chance to rebuild around quarterback Drew Brees with an extra first-round pick as well as two-time Pro Bowl center Max Unger.

The relationship between the Saints and Graham seemed to sour a bit after last year’s contract negotiations where Graham tried to be franchised with the wide receiver designation instead of tight end, and ultimately failed.

Even with a first-round pick involved, it’s tough not to love this deal from a Seahawks perspective.  The NFC Champions get a legitimate playmaker in the slot and Russell Wilson will benefit greatly.