The New Orleans Saints traded tight end Jimmy Graham, and a fourth-round pick to the defending NFC champions Seattle Seahawks, as first reported by the NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, and Fox's Jay Glazer.

In return, the Saints get Pro Bowl center Max Unger, along with a first-round pick.

The already potent Seahawks team, which was a coaching call away from winning the Super Bowl this year, gets a three-time Pro Bowler with 4,742 career yards. The 6'7", 265 lb Graham has put up stellar numbers in recent years, which include 51 career TDs, 16 of which were in 2013; 386 career receptions, and two seasons with at least 1,000 yards.

"I'm as shocked as everyone else. I love the guy," was Saints' quarterback Drew Brees' reaction when asked by reporter Alex Flanagan about the loss of Graham, who has averaged close to 90 receptions over the past four years.

He will now be at the disposal of Russell Wilson and the Seahawks who will be getting a player that caught 85 passes for 889 yards, along with 10 touchdowns last year.

"The opportunity to get a player that make these kinds of plays really got us excited," Seahawks coach Pete Carroll was quoted saying.

It was just last season when Graham signed a four-year $40 million deal with the Saints, which was followed by a season marked by nagging injuries.

The Saints, though, get a Pro Bowler of their own in Unger, who is considered as one of the best centers in the NFL. He is only 28 years old, and will provide the Saints with a Pro Bowler anchoring its offensive line.

Unger, a former second round pick, spent each of his first six seasons in Seattle, and will be due a base salary of $4.5 million in 2015.