Jimmy Graham settles into mentor role

Jimmy Graham — remember him?

The four-time Pro Bowl tight end was signed by the Bears last year to accelerate the development of coach Matt Nagy’s offense. And even when that evolved into a role as a mentor for Cole Kmet in his second season, Graham still figured to play a key role, if only in the red zone.

But he has been a non-factor for most of the season. In fact, his 28-yard reception against the Steelers on Nov. 8 was his first catch since Week 1 against the Rams.

In seven games — he missed Weeks 7-8 against the Buccaneers and 49ers while on the reserve/COVID-19 list — Graham has two receptions for 39 yards on just six targets. He’s playing 18 snaps per game — not much for a player whose $5.34 million cap hit ranks eighth on the roster.

“Obviously, we’re all very competitive human beings,” he said. “For me, it takes a big humbling pill to humble yourself and realize where you are in your career and where you can be useful.”

Graham accepted the mentor role with grace. The not-playing role has been a little tougher, but he has handled that well, too. But it’s a long road to get there for a player like Graham, who at his peak was an athletic freak who was a dominant offensive weapon.

And even today at 34 (he turns 35 on Wednesday), he still has enough left to be productive in a good NFL offense. Graham caught eight touchdowns just last season with the Bears. He had 10 touchdowns with the Seahawks in 2017. And he was the best tight end in football with 86 receptions for 1,215 yards and 16 touchdowns in 2013 with the Saints.

“I know I’ve gotta be ready when my number’s called,” Graham said. “But I know I also have a leadership role with these young guys and with my boy Cole, and getting him right and seeing his growth this season is awesome. I celebrate every guy’s success on this team because I was there and had so many helping hands to get me where I am today. Sean [Payton], Drew [Brees], David Thomas, Jeremy Shockey, the list goes on . . . Marques Colston.

“I had these guys prepping me when I was a young kid who knew nothing about the game, knew nothing about life. That’s my role right now, and I take that on. I didn’t think I’d be the old guy ever in the locker room, but here I am.”

What makes the transition sweet for Graham is almost an irony. A player who has been blessed with freakish athletic ability also learned the nuances of his position and the game. That’s why he’s still all-in on a 3-6 team despite playing 18 snaps a game.

“For me, it’s the game itself — I’ve got a great mental grasp on it,” he said. “It makes it more entertaining when I am helping other guys out. When you’re able to put this knowledge — route-running and what I know about defenses — and help out guys, it makes it fun. It makes every week fun, especially when you’ve got young guys who want to listen. That’s what’s cool. We’ve got guys that are hungry to learn. It makes every day interesting.”