Jeremy Shockey was heading into the final year of his contract but the Saints pulled the plug early and released him on Tuesday.
The New Orleans Saints have confirmed that they've released TE Jeremy Shockey. Head coach Sean Payton said in a release issued by the team:
"Jeremy played an important role in helping our team bring a Super Bowl championship to New Orleans," said Head Coach Sean Payton. "He contributed to the success of our offense, both as a pass-catcher and run blocker, and we're appreciative of his efforts."
Was this a surprise?
Not really. In fact, SB Nation's Canal Street Chronicles predicted as much in early January. Shockey was due $4.2 million in 2011 and with the emergency of Jimmy Graham, it didn't seem like he was a great fit at that price.
A lot of NFL teams have held off on releasing players until a new labor deal is done. On March 3rd, the CBA will expire and from then there won't be any players changing teams until a new one is signed. Cutting Shockey now gives him an opportunity to sign with another team before March 3rd so the timing could be beneficial for Shockey.
For his part, Shockey says he's going to be a bargain on the open market.
"It's a business, I understand," Shockey said. "I'll just go play hard for someone else. Whoever gets me it's going to be a steal."
Check out Canal Street Chronicles to see what Saints fans are saying about the Shockey news.
Feb 22 5:47p by Joel Thorman - 0 comments
Jeremy Shockey's Contract Terminated By New Orleans Saints, According To Report
Jeremy Shockey will not return as a member of the New Orleans Saints next season, according to a report by FOX Sports' Jay Glazer. The team will reportedly terminate the tight end's contract.
Shockey has played three years for the Saints, including their first-ever Super Bowl season. He's missed time due to injury in each of his nine NFL seasons, the first six of which were spent with the New York Giants. Last season he caught 41 passes for 408 yards.
Jimmy Graham, a rookie tight end who also played collegiately at Miami, started five games for Shockey in 2010 and played in 13 in total. He caught 31 passes for 356 yards and would be a big reason for the team to feel comfortable in embracing a post-Shockey world, if this report is true.
Known as a hothead early in his NFL career, Shockey's reputation has taken a turn as he's aged. While he's still emotive and occasionally abrasive, he won't stay on the open market for very long.
Source : http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2011/2/22/2008687/jeremy-shockey-contract-terminated-new-orleans-saints
