Arbitrator Stephen Burbank turned down Jimmy Graham's appeal to be considered as a wide receiver in the NFL, ruling that the New Orleans Saints star is indeed a tight end.

Graham lined up in the slot and out wide for the majority of his snaps last season, but Burbank favored with the Saints' argument on the role of a tight end, saying that 28-year-old veteran defended as a tight end.

"The evidence also supports findings that, like tight ends, wide receivers and running backs often line up in the slot, and that the defense employed against any player so aligned turns on the player's position, not his alignment, because of the physical attributes and skill sets of the players in those positions" Burbank said in his decision, ESPN reported.

With the decision, Graham will not get the $12 million-per-year salary that he was asking for as franchised player, but reports indicated that he will certainly become the highest-paid TE in league history.

The Saints will not be required to increase their one-year, $7.053 million offer to Graham. Had the arbitrator ruled that Graham is a wide receiver, the Saints might be forced to put a $12 million offer on the table.

However, the NFL Players Association are expected to lodge an appeal on the decision, saying that they will carefully study their options and inform Graham about the possible moves that they can make.

"The NFLPA will review with Jimmy Graham the decision from Arbitrator Stephen Burbank which permits the player to be designated as a tight end for Franchise Tag purposes," the NFLPA said in a statement. "We will advise Graham of his options and carefully determine next steps in this matter. We will also continue to assist Graham and his representation as necessary to help the player reach a fair long-term deal with the New Orleans Saints."

Graham and the Saints have until July 15 to strike a long-term deal for franchised player.

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