Report: Jimmy Graham's franchise-tag ruling expected Thursday

An arbitrator is expected to announce his ruling Thursday on New Orleans Saints star Jimmy Graham's franchise-tag grievance, according to a report from Adam

An arbitrator is expected to announce his ruling Thursday on New Orleans Saints star Jimmy Graham's franchise-tag grievance, according to a report from Adam Schefter and Mike Triplett of ESPN.com.

The Saints placed the franchise tag on Graham this offseason, and he is challenging his designation as a tight end. Graham wants to be declared a wide receiver, saying he lined up at that position two-thirds of the time last season, even though the team drafted him as a tight end.

Graham will make $7.05 million if he loses the case. If designated a wide receiver, he will make $12.13 million this season.

The team and Graham have until July 15 to come to agreement on a long-term deal, or Graham can play under the franchise tag. Graham caught 86 passes for 1,215 yards and 16 touchdowns this past season, earning first-team All-Pro honors as a tight end.

More from ESPN.com:

Saints coach Sean Payton was among those testifying on the NFL's behalf, a source confirmed.

According to

Pro Football Talk

, Saints general manager Mickey Loomis and former Indianapolis

Colts

general manager Bill Polian also testified in support of the position that Graham should be considered a tight end, while former NFL coach Butch Davis and former Saints receiver Lance Moore testified in support of the position that Graham should be considered a wide receiver.

~Scooby Axson