Shockey deal contingency plan…

Turns out there is a bit of rider in the deal in which New Orleans acquired TE Jeremy Shockey from the Giants earlier this week. As compensation, the Saints will reportedly send the Giants second and fifth round picks at the 2009 draft. However, New Orleans could have to send their 2009 second rounder to the Jets as part of a conditional deal in which the Saints acquired LB Jonathan Vilma from the other New York team for a 4th round pick this year. That pick could escalateto a second rounder though if Vilma were to play 85% of the Saints’ defensive snaps this fall and the Saints sign him to a new deal by the end of the season. If the conditions are met then the Giants would then receive a first-round pick in 2010 instead of the 2nd and 5th round picks in 2009. It is likely though that the Saints probably will find a way to prevent Vilma from reaching those criteria so they don't have to give up a first-rounder.