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After New Orleans mega-deal for Shockey last season, Tampa Bay and the Falcons have followed suit for the 2009 season. Tampa Bay traded for the youthful Kellen Winslow, Jr. and the Atlanta Falcons have traded for Tony Gonzales.
Shockey, Gonzales, and Winslow has positioned the NFC South rivals to have a three of the best tight ends in the NFL. But why have the need for Tight Ends become the new “vogue” thing to do for the NFC South.
If Shockey remained healthy for New Orleans, he would have allowed the Saints to exploit the aging secondaries of the NFC South rivals. However, Shockey was still riding a a “bum wheel” and nursing a case of the “dropsies” for the Saints. Grade the Saints trade a C-.
Atlanta did not have a decent TE since Crumpler left to reside in the AFC South with the Titans. With the emergence of Ryan and the “team concept” of the Falcons, adding Gonzalez and giving up a second round pick in 2010, may be the smartest and most impact acquisition for a TE.
Tampa Bay’s arrival of Winslow may have the best long-term effect on the division. The Bucs needed someone to exploit the “slower” linebackers in the division and work the middle of the field.
The Saints may find out by this year if the Shockey trade will pay major dividends. It may be Payton’s and Bush’s last year with the team if they cannot go to the Super Bowl this upcoming season. The Falcons may have a edge with the “confidence” factor, but two years ago, so did the Saints. The Bucs need to clear-up their QB situation before giving them kudos for Winslow’s arrival.
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