DrunkBomber Posted July 21, 2008 Report Share Posted July 21, 2008 Shockey headed to Saints after Giants agree to trade NEW ORLEANS -- Jeremy Shockey was traded to the Saints for two draft picks Monday, giving New Orleans a disgruntled star tight end who watched from the sideline while injured as the New York Giants surged to the Super "I have had a relationship with coach Payton and I appreciate what he has done as a head coach," Shockey said in a statement released by the Saints. "The Saints have a lot of weapons starting with Drew Brees and I look forward to joining my teammates at training camp. This will be a fun year." The Saints report to training camp in Jackson, Miss., on Wednesday with several other tight ends on the roster, including last year's starter, Eric Johnson, along with Billy Miller and Mark Campbell. Shockey, a four-time Pro Bowl selection who spent six seasons with the Giants, broke his leg against the Washington Redskins on Dec. 16. He is known for his pass-catching ability more than his blocking, and was unhappy even before the injury. Once hurt, he didn't like the fact that much was made of the Giants winning with rookie Kevin Boss in his place. "Jeremy brought great energy to the game every time he stepped on the field," Giants team president John Mara said. "He had a close relationship with my father from the time we drafted him, and I had a couple of long conversations with Jeremy this spring and summer. From those conversations, it was apparent to me that a fresh start was the best thing for us and for Jeremy." The Giants, a proven winner without Shockey in the lineup, cut ties with a player who provided plenty of excitement on the field and plenty of distractions off it -- throwing a cup of ice in the stands during a playoff game in San Francisco, criticizing Giants fans for leaving a game early, or skipping voluntary team workouts in favor an offseason program run by his agent. The Giants also unload the remainder of a five-year, $31.2 million contract extension that Shockey signed in 2005. Even without their talented tight end, the Giants managed to win Super Bowl XLII. Shockey had 371 catches for 4,228 yards and 27 touchdowns with the Giants. He was drafted out of Miami with the 14th overall pick in the 2002 draft. The Saints have been seeking a tight end who is more of a downfield threat than Johnson, who caught 48 passes for 378 yards last year as a starter. "Jeremy is a player that we are excited to have on our roster. He is someone I am familiar with as a player," Payton said. "He brings a skill set to the position that I feel will be a tremendous benefit to our offense." The Saints' offense has been among the best in the NFL during Payton's first two seasons as coach, with Brees eclipsing 4,000 yards passing in each of them. The hope in New Orleans is that Shockey's addition as a receiving threat, when combined with receiver Marcus Colston and Reggie Bush coming out of the backfield or lining up in the slot, will give Brees the options he needs to move the ball, no matter what defenses attempt. Shockey's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, called last season a difficult one for his client, who was looking for a change of scenery. "He's been one of the most successful tight ends in NFL history, but now I think he's going to be more prolific in the Saints' offense," Rosenhaus said. "I don't think Jeremy could ask for a better situation." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
balta1701-A Posted July 21, 2008 Report Share Posted July 21, 2008 Frankly, I think this makes both teams better. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DABEARSDABOMB Posted July 21, 2008 Report Share Posted July 21, 2008 The Giants clearly didn't need Shockey to win the superbowl so this makes them better in the sense that they don't have to worry about any off the field stuff regarding Shockey trying to jockey a trade. They'll also get draft picks (I'd have to imagine at least a 2nd round pick would be heading the Giants way). The Saints have significantly upgraded there receiving corps (Shockey is a hell of a receiving TE) and when you factor in Colston/Bush/Deuce (he'll be back) along with Drew Brees the offense should be more explosive than ever. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
balta1701-A Posted July 21, 2008 Report Share Posted July 21, 2008 The Giants clearly didn't need Shockey to win the superbowl so this makes them better in the sense that they don't have to worry about any off the field stuff regarding Shockey trying to jockey a trade. They'll also get draft picks (I'd have to imagine at least a 2nd round pick would be heading the Giants way). The Saints have significantly upgraded there receiving corps (Shockey is a hell of a receiving TE) and when you factor in Colston/Bush/Deuce (he'll be back) along with Drew Brees the offense should be more explosive than ever. 2nd and a 5th. And I mean this makes both teams better this year. Eli Manning just seems vastly more comfortable when he doesn't have to deal with guys like Barber and Schockey who are demanding the ball. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bradjock Posted July 22, 2008 Report Share Posted July 22, 2008 2nd and a 5th. And I mean this makes both teams better this year. Eli Manning just seems vastly more comfortable when he doesn't have to deal with guys like Barber and Schockey who are demanding the ball. Disagree. Shockey's an ass. Football is all about team, and everything indicates that he's a "Me-first" guy. The Giants got better WITHOUT HIM. You could figure he could have somewhat of a "Randy Moss" factor the way he made the Patriots better, but don't forget that Moss helped destroy Minnesota and Oakland. It's a huge gamble on New Orleans part. The thing I remember about Shockey is during the Super Bowl, instead of being on the side-line with his teammates, he was in a sky-box and appeared to be partying. (I remember the Giants were losing and he was drinking something that appeared to be Orange Juice and was smiling). He's a jackass. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ed Hochuli 3:16 Posted July 22, 2008 Report Share Posted July 22, 2008 It's too bad the Saints still have no RB or D. If they had somewhat of a D, any part of it, whether it'd be a good pass rush, a good secdonary, or a good set of linebackers, well they don't have any of those. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fenom283 Posted July 22, 2008 Report Share Posted July 22, 2008 It's too bad the Saints still have no RB or D. If they had somewhat of a D, any part of it, whether it'd be a good pass rush, a good secdonary, or a good set of linebackers, well they don't have any of those. I think your wrong, Deuce is still good with Bush and Pierre they are not worried about the RB position they drafted CB Tracy Porter and DT Sedrick Ellis and signed Johnathan Vilma they are going to be a tough team to beat with Shockey they are actually scary Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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