Sean Payton is optimistic that the New Orleans Saints will be able to retain Jimmy Graham this offseason, but acknowledged that it will be a challenge due to the salary cap.

"The most challenging part of your job as a coach, and I share that with Mickey (Loomis) or anyone that has been with an organization as long as we have been, going on year nine, is some of the tough decisions that have to be made with regards to your cap with the ability that you possibly can sign Jimmy Graham," Payton said on Fox Sports 1 Friday.

The Saints are projected to be approximately $12 million above the projected salary cap.

"It's very easy to say 'you are certainly going to get this done' but you have to understand there is a budget here," Payton said. "That's the challenging part. You are going to read these names that have already come across the ticker from Atlanta last week (the release of cornerback Asante Samuel and linebacker Stephen Nicholas) and we will be no different."