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Here's today's Q&A:

Q: After reading your 10-step program, I have a question for the mailbag. Could you please talk about Shockey's blocking ability compared to Thomas and/or Graham. I haven't paid particular attention to it, but it could be a reason to keep Shockey around. Catches and yards aren't everything for a tight end, especially for a team that needs to improve the running game. Andrew, Uptown.

A: Shockey is a solid blocker but certainly nothing special. I certainly wouldn't characterize blocking as one of his strengths. In fact, from the tape I have watched, Thomas is a much better and more willing blocker and, along with reserve tackle Zach Strief, is usually the tight end called upon when the team needs a blocking assignment at the position. Regardless, Shockey is not being paid $4.5 million to block. That's elite tight end money and at this stage of his career Shockey is no longer an elite tight end. If the Saints really need a blocking tight end, they can find one in the draft or free agency for a fraction of the salary they are paying Shockey. Jimmy Graham is clearly a budding star at the position. With a full offseason of development, he should win the starting job next season. If David Thomas is re-signed -- and I think he will be - then Shockey is expendable although I do think he could be a candidate to return at a restructured deal.

Q: I've got a question regarding the fact that nearly half of the Saints' players are re- or unresetricted free agents this offseason. Why did this all creep up all at once? Why do the contracts of the core of our roster all expire at nearly the same time? I know we've paid standouts like Jahri Evans and others in recent years, but I wonder if the huge buildup of expiring contracts this offseason was intentionally planned, or just coincidence. Amrit Naresh, Berlin, Germany.

A: The Saints knew this situation eventually would come to a head this offseason. A lot of teams are in the same boat. The uncapped 2010 season restricted four-to-six-year veteran players under the terms of the contingency plan the league and players agreed to. Those are prime seasons for NFL players. It's the prime time for most guys to hit free agency and cash in. The Saints had an unusually high number of veterans with four, five and six accrued seasons of experience. They took advantage of the free agency situation a year ago but probably won't be as fortunate this offseason and will likely lose a core player or two to the open market. It was inevitable. Understandably, teams were hesitant to sign players to long-term deals during the uncapped year because of the uncertainty of the labor situation.

Full article below.
What's the longterm future of Jeremy Shockey with the New Orleans Saints? Mailbag | NOLA.com

dizzle88

Shockey still has the much needed attitude that makes this team thrive, with his tenacity our O always seems to be alot more physical. I hope he stays here for the rest of his career, then when he retired he sticks around to be a TE coach

|Mitch|

With Jimmy Graham playing like he is; I could see Shockey's tenure with the Saints coming to an end. He really doesn't get enough playing time to justify his contract but, I like the attitude and emotion when he's out there. Didn't see much of it this year though...

MatthewT

This is a tough call. With the salary cap probably coming back, I can see Shockey being a cap cut for sure. Graham is the future TE for the Saints and that future may be now. Right now I would say Shockey gets to stick around for another year, especially if he is willing to redo his contract. However, if injuries are not a factor, I believe Graham is going to be the starter or at least the more featured TE next season.

niteadept

I love Shockey and really missed the attitude this year! I believe he has been a huge asset for Jimmy Graham in that he is teaching him everything he knows! I agree with you Dizzle that he would make an excellent TE coach and I do believe he is really happy with the Saints. Redo his contract, let him continue to help Graham, go into the game as needed and then hire him as a coach.

st thomas

sounds good to me, he brings it when hes called apon but everyone saw that its tuff for him to stay heathy that way. gonzo was or is a finese type te and is why he stayed heathy for 15 years or so. shockman will always be king in nola because of his passion for the game. grahm is the future here and is blooming into a star.

SaintPauly

I really hope he stays. Shockey has been one of my favorite players for a long time now, even before he was a Saint. He's heavy metal, with a helmet on.... Stay a Saint Shock!

44Champs

We're lucky to have 3 great tight ends. While Shockey has the reputation, do you ever see how Dave Thomas hold his blocks? AND he pisses off the players on the other team because he gets into their heads. Then you have Jimmy Graham who's learning from both of those guys. We'll be solid at TE for years to come.

lynwood

I see Shockey on our team for another 2 to 3 years barring injury. He won't bring in any big bucks no matter where he goes.