Jeremy Shockey Out, Jimmy Graham In As New Orleans Saints Starting TE

Tight End Jeremy Shockey (Source: sportydektops.com)

The New Orleans Saints have released tight end Jeremy Shockey today, terminating the soon to be 31-year old veteran’s contract after three injury filled seasons with the team.

Shockey was traded to Saints in 2009 by the New York Giants in exchange for New Orleans second and fifth round picks in that years draft and since compiled 139 passes for 1,460 yards and 6 touchdowns.

It was expected that his arrival in New Orleans would be met with an increase in production for him after posting his best season as a pro under Sean Payton’s tutelage during his tenure as the offensive coordinator of the Giants, however the pairing never found the same success.

Laboring through injuries in all three seasons he was with the team Shockey missed a total of eight games with various ailments rannging from groing pulls, knee problems and back spasms. Given his injury history, and nearly five million dollar price tag for the upcoming season, and the writing was on the wall.

It’s unclear what Shockey plans to do from this point, but the list of possible suitors may not be the longest for the once fiery competitor considering he has never played a full sixteen game schedule in his pro career.

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Tags: Jeremy Shockey, Jimmy Graham, New Orleans Saints, New York Giants