After months of speculation, the defending Super Bowl Champion New York Giants finally pulled off a trade that sent disgruntled Tight End Jeremy Shockey to the New Orleans Saints for draft picks.  Shockey had been unhappy with his role in the Giants offense and had been outwardly critical of his lack of downfield passing opportunities.  While the Giants valued Shockey’s pass catching ability, Head Coach Tom Coughlin admitted to utilizing his excellent blocking skills more prominently.

In return for Shockey the Giants received 2nd and 5th round draft picks in the 2009 draft.  For Shockey, the trade means a reunion with former Giants offensive coordinator Sean Payton, who called the plays during Shockey’s rookie season–which also happened to be his most productive.  Shockey and Payton have a great relationship and that is likely why the trade happened in the first place.  Payton has been pursuing Shockey since February and Jeremy had been more than open to the idea of playing for Payton. 

Although some around the organization view Shockey as a bad locker room guy, those close to the Giants know the high calibur of player they lost.  Wide receiver Plexico Burress was the most outspoken. “People talk about how we’re a better team without him, but those are the people that don’t know football,” he said, according to the Newark Star-Ledger. “I hear that and it’s like, ‘You people are crazy. You’ve never played a down of football in your life, so what would you even know?’ The guy walks on the field and he demands a double team.  Before he even straps it up and goes out to play, he’s already made the team better.  Him going to New Orleans, he makes them one of the best offenses in the league.”

I personally agree with Burress, and those who think that the Giants legendary run to a Super Bowl Victory last year had anything to do with Shockey being injured are fooling themselves.  Just like is the case in the NFL every year, the team that got hot at the right time won.  In addition, they got some luck, which is necessary in a league with the type of parody that the NFL has.  Shockey is an all-pro calibur player and losing him will NOT help.  In any case, I wish the Giants the best as they attempt to repeat.