Saints acquire Shockey for draft picks

BangTheBook · 07-21-2008, 02:55 PM

Sean Payton's persistence finally won out. The New Orleans Saints acquired Jeremy Shockey for a second- and a fifth-round draft pick in 2009, a source confirmed Monday.

The deal was first reported by FOXSports.com.

The Saints had been trying since February to acquire the disgruntled New York Giants tight end. First, they offered a second-round pick. Before the draft, they increased the offer to a second- and a fifth-round draft choice, but the Giants felt he was too valuable to lose until a few days before the start of their training camp.

As Payton and Saints general manager Mickey Loomis did their last few minutes of office work before heading to Jackson, Miss., for Wednesday's start of training camp, they received a call from the Giants saying that Shockey was theirs.

Even through the weekend, the Saints tried to broker a deal for Shockey. On Sunday, they tried to get in the middle of the Jason Taylor trade to see if there was a way they could make a three-way deal that brought them Shockey, according to multiple sources. Taylor went to the Washington Redskins for a second-round pick in 2009 and a sixth-rounder in 2010.

Shockey, 28, a four-time Pro Bowler, has 371 catches for 4,228 yards and 59 touchdowns during his six-year NFL career. He grew disgruntled with the Giants because he wanted to be more involved with some downfield passing. The Giants valued his run blocking.
Payton was an offensive coordinator with the Giants during Shockey's rookie season. He caught 74 passes for 894 yards that season.

Smart Guy · 07-22-2008, 01:32 PM

I think both of these trades seriously revamp the landscape in the NFC. For me, the top 4 teams in the NFC are now Dallas, Washington, New York Giants, and New Orleans. You could possibly include the Seahawks in that discussion. But as far as the recent trades go, I think Shockey is huge for the Saints. The Saints have that explosive, balanced offense (a healthy McCallister would be huge). But, sometimes they've struggled to pick up needed yardage on a 3rd and 7 to keep the chains moving. Someone like Shockey should really shore up the ball control aspect of the offense.

Also, I really like the Taylor addition for the Redskins. They were already working with a strong defense but will now be able to turn Taylor loose on the likes of Romo and Manning. The Skins have a chance to win this stacked NFC east if Zorn can get more improved play with Campbell and a strong running game with Portis.

BangTheBook · 07-22-2008, 03:42 PM

I would put the Seahawks in the top 4 way before the Skins. They have a new coaching staff and unproven QB at the helm. It could be tough times there.

Shockey may put New Orleans as the best offensive team in the NFC over the Cowboys.

For the Giants this may help and hurt the team, they lose the fiestyness of Shockey but also get rid of all the off field problems he brings