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Drew Brees on Jimmy Graham trade: “I’m as shocked as everyone”

New Orleans Saints v Atlanta Falcons

ATLANTA, GA - NOVEMBER 13: Drew Brees #9 and Jimmy Graham #80 of the New Orleans Saints celebrate after their 26-23 win in overtime against the Atlanta Falcons at Georgia Dome on November 13, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

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Saints quarterback Drew Brees wasn’t expecting to lose one of his favorite teammates today.

Reached shortly after the Saints traded tight end Jimmy Graham to the Seahawks, Brees told Alex Flanagan that he couldn’t believe it.

“I’m as shocked as everyone else. I love the guy,” Brees said.

Brees is right, everyone was shocked by the news that Graham is gone. But the reality is, no one was untouchable on the Saints: They simply are in such bad cap shape that they have to start moving on from some of their most expensive players and building for the future, and trading Graham gets rid of his expensive contract while getting them a first-round draft pick. And Brees may turn out to be pleased that the Saints added center Max Unger in the trade, as center was a major need for the Saints.

So Brees is shocked, but maybe he shouldn’t be. Big moves were inevitable given the Saints’ cap situation.