Jeremy Shockey was traded from the New York Giants to the New Orleans Saints for second and fifth round draft picks, the former in 2009 the latter in 2010.  The four time pro-bowler and dynamic offensive threat will join one of the most explosive offenses in the NFL, which could return the mercurial tight end to superstar status.

 What this means

The Saints finally have the playmaking tight end they covet.  The TE is a key piece to the Westcoast offense, and is an element that was lacking in the Saints attack.  The TE helps to open up the running game and adds the middle of the field to all ranges of the passing attack.  This trade should allow New Orleans to dictate more of what they choose on offense.

Coach Payton helped Shockey become Rookie of the Year and have one of his most productive statistical seasons when he was the Offensive Coordinator with the Giants. This reunion should yield more of the same, and has the potential to return Shockey to the elite level of NFL TE’s in both real and fantasy football.  You may also remember that Drew Brees used to play with a guy named Antonio Gates, and he had no trouble feeding him the ball over and over again.  Good quarterbacks love using the TE as their check-down or outlet receiver, and a guy like Shockey poses match-up problems for linebackers, so I expect “Brees to Shockey” to be something we hear a whole lot of this year.

Shockey needs to re-prove himself as a star in the league; he was royally pissed when the Giants went on to win the Super Bowl without him, and now the chip on his shoulder should be bigger than ever.  I think Shockey will fit in well in the Saints locker room, where the chain of command is well established. Yet as always, he is a wildcard with a big ego who could go sideways quickly.

 The Terms

The details of this deal are a little strange, as the pick the Saints are supposed to send to the Giants is also subject to conditions from the Jonathon Vilma trade with the NY Jets.  If Vilma participates in 85% of the defensive snaps or signs a contract extension in New Orleans then the Jets get that second round pick. In this case, the Giants would then get the Saints first round pick and nothing else.

Shockey for a 2 and 5 is not a bad deal, but giving up a first rounder for a fair-weather tight end is too much.  I think the Saints are betting on having a good year and keeping Vilma’s snaps in check, in that case a low second rounder for an impact TE is a good deal in today’s pass heavy NFL.

Who benefits fantasy-wise

 Marcus Colston:  With Shockey threatening the middle of the field, defenses will no longer be able to roll coverage towards Colston; he should see more one-on-one match-ups, in which he can use his size and skill to make plays.  Colston now has a legitimate #2 passing threat on his side, and this should open things up for a player entering that magical third year for wide receivers.

 Jeremy Shockey:  In the Saints pass-first offense, Shockey becomes a real fantasy threat. He will be a focal point of the offense, and not just someone they are forcing the ball to so he doesn’t get bored.  I see Shockey coming back with a vengeance, and he has the chance to be a Jason Witten type player, the #2 option in the passing attack.

 Drew Brees:  As one of the top fantasy producers last year, Brees can’t get all that much better.  However, Brees loved Antonio Gates in San Diego, and Coach Paytons passing offense has always favored a skilled TE.  I look for Brees to have as good of a season as last year, but maybe with more passing touchdowns, as Shockey is a Red Zone threat.

 Saints Running Game:  Shockey is not known for being a great blocker, but he does help out on running plays; where his real benefit will be seen is in the way defenses play the Saints.  Reggie Bush and Deuce McAllister should see much less 8 and 9 men fronts, as Shockey draws/freezes a linebacker and also could force defenses to use nickel packages to cover the big athletic TE.