Packers release TE Jimmy Graham

In unsurprising news, Jimmy Graham won’t be back with the Green Bay Packers.

The team announced Thursday it had released the tight end after two years. Graham had one year left on his $30 million contract and his departure frees up $8 million in cap space for the Packers.

Graham never became the true playmaker the team was hoping for at the position. He’s managed to produce just 93 catches and a total of five touchdowns over the past two years, though he did have a solid postseason in January.

Green Bay reportedly has interest in targeting Atlanta tight end Austin Hooper, who will be a free agent. He is a two-time Pro Bowl player that’s managed 10 scores the last couple of seasons.

The team is also high on Jace Sternberger. A third-round pick last spring, an injury kept him off the field until early November. He ended up playing in eight games, including both postseason contests. All three of his career catches came in the playoffs, as did his first touchdown.

Elsewhere at the position, veteran Mercedes Lewis is an unrestricted free agent but could return, while Robert Tonyan is an exclusive rights free agent and will be back.