Saints Cut Shockey

Saints terminate Jeremy Shockey's contract, ending his three year stint with the club. Shockey was acquired by the Saints in a trade with the Giants prior to the 2008 season. He started 34 games in three seasons for New Orleans, battling injuries each season.

"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."

Shockey also tweeted a message to Saints fans:

"Always will remember my time in New Orleans. What a city, you all welcomed me like one of your own, and we had a great run. Onto the next chapter, the Deep Unknown."

Saints general manager Mickey Loomis released a statement regarding the transaction:

"I'd like to thank Jeremy for the contributions he made to our team during his time in New Orleans. These decisions are never easy to make and we wish him the best in the future."

New Orleans head coach Sean Payton commented as well, saying, "Jeremy played an important role in helping our team bring a Super Bowl championship to New Orleans. He contributed to the success of our offense, both as a pass-catcher and run blocker, and we're appreciative of his efforts."

With Shockey set to count $4.7 million against the salary cap next season, and his durability at the age of 31, it is not a shock that Shockey was shown the door. The emergency of rookie Jimmy Graham last season had to be a factor as well. Dave Thomas is set to be a free agent, but will likely be resigned.

Shockey gave 3 solid years to the Saints organization. His "bad boy" image from New York never seemed to show itself in the Saints locker room. His enthusiastic pesonality and intense zeal for the game of football endeared himself to many Saints fans. Perhaps his most memorable moment as a Saints was scoring a fourth quarter touchdown in Super Bowl XLIV (pictured below).