Bucs searching for playmaker at tight end

Giants GM Jerry Reese recently said the Giants are not planning on
trading TE Jeremy Shockey, quieting rumors that the Super Bowl champs
were set to part ways with the oft-injured, controversial player. If
Reese made the statement in an attempt to raise the asking price for
Shockey, or if he changes his mind at some point during the offseason,
we hear the Bucs would have interest in making a swap, but it's likely
they would be unwilling to part with anything higher than a third- or
fourth-round draft pick. The Giants almost assuredly would be
expecting more in return. PFW's source in Tampa said that if the Bucs
were able to acquire Shockey, head coach Jon Gruden would finally have
something he has long desired -- two quality all-around tight ends, the
other being TE Alex Smith. Having two tight ends that can block, run
quality routes, and are good pass catchers would open up the Bucs'
offense and take some pressure off the wide receivers. Count Gruden
out as a coach who would lose interest in Shockey because of his
perceived "me-first" attitude. Gruden is drawn to project players and
seems to have an inherent belief that he can change players in ways no
other coach can.



Shockey's stats weren't anything to get excited about this past season.

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