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That's it in a nutshell. The Giants thought that that 90th roster spot was worth more than a decent player who likely won't play in 2012. They clearly felt that no one would claim such a player, and for 30 teams they were right. And to a certain degree it made sense. MOST teams work hard at planning for the coming season, few teams are constantly looking at the future as well.I think the confusion lies however in the belief that the Giants could have just placed him on PUP right now and saved the roster spot. Because of Ballard's service time it seems they would have either had to wait and tie up one of those oh so important 90 roster spots, or waive him and hope he passed. Which they did.
They chose... foolishly.
People should remember that Ballard is NOT a big time TE. He is what he is, a big TE who is a good blocker and although he is relatively slow, a capable and steady receiver. That's ot. As a potential back up to Gronk, a 3rd blocking TE, and depth he has value to the Pats in 2013....IF he recovers from his surguries. The Pats are paying a half a million THIS year for an asset they can't use until next year.....maybe. It was probably a risk that most teams didn't want to take.
Its also interesting to speculate that NEXT season the Pats will carry 4 TE's, and have 2 legitimate backups for their TE duo, with Ballard backing up Gronk, and Fells, Hernandez
BTW-Coughlin's "disappointment" was clearly aimed at his FO. My guess is the FO was so sure that no would claim him, that they made the transaction WITHOUT consulting the HC.
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