Let the games begin! Already this week, NFL players, who have made it clear that they are unhappy with their teams, have made bold moves to find a team they like more. The first players to participate in the “I don’t like where I am and I want a new team” game are Jason Taylor of the Miami Dolphins and Jeremy Shockey of the New York Giants.
Jason Taylor’s switch from Miami to Washington came out of a legitimate need for Washington to find a Defensive End. On the opening day of the Redskins’ training camp last Saturday, Washington lost veteran Defensive End Phillip Daniels to a season-ending knee injury. What activity caused such a severe injury on the first day of camp is not quite known, but it left Washington in a lurch. Enter Jason Taylor who had indicated to Miami on several occasions that he wanted to be traded to a contender. If that did not come to pass, his playing days would probably be over after this year. When Taylor found out about the Redskins’ needs and their interest in him he extended his playing time for at least another two seasons. To acquire Jason Taylor, the Redskins gave up a second round draft pick in 2009 and a sixth round draft pick in 2010. All in all, PossessionPoints.com feels this was a bargain for the Redskins as Taylor is a six-time Pro Bowl player and is still in great playing condition.
This week the Giants also got rid of a disgruntled teammate when they traded Jeremy Shockey to the New Orleans Saints. Shockey has made no effort to hide his displeasure for both Giants’ management and Giants’ Quarterback, Eli Manning. It’s funny to note that when Shockey was an active Giant, Manning stumbled in his efforts to become a top-notch player. However, as soon as Shockey and his loud opinions found themselves disabled, Manning began to show off his obvious talent and less obvious leadership ability and led the Giants to the Super Bowl. Did Manning’s transformation cause the Giant front office to re-think Shockey’s leadership role on the team?
In the long run, the Giants’ reasoning does not matter. What does matter is that Shockey gets to go play for his former Offensive Coordinator Sean Payton in the Big Easy and the Giants’ get a second and fifth-round draft pick.
Player moves such as these is why PossessionPoints.com does not rush to put out our Preseason Preview issue. What do you think about this trade? Do you think the Giants made a good deal or do you think Shockey was too valuable a player to give up? We would love to know your opinion.
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2 comments:
I think the Giants made a good move. Kevin Boss is a perfectly good tight end. Not stellar, but good. And getting a 2nd AND a 5th round pick out of it? Totally worth it.
Melaniet42, thanks for the comment. At PossessionPoints.com we will be doing individual player fantasy rankings, and as of now I have to say I don’t think Kevin Boss will be quite up there with Jeremy Shockey. That said, when it comes to team chemistry, I certainly think the Giants made the right move. Interesting enough though, a change of scenery often makes a player rethink how he has been in the past (think TO) and is often good for the new team. So this may work out quite well for New Orleans also.
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