Saints, Shockey stuck in trade limbo

New Orleans's apparent deal for tight end Jeremy Shockey has hit a delay because of the Giants' demand for more than a No. 2 draft pick for the former Pro Bowler, ESPN's John Clayton reports.

The Saints have been debating offering a No. 2 pick, according to sources, but some in the organization would prefer including no more than a No. 3 pick. New Orleans officials' reluctance makes the deal, which could get done on the draft-day clock or Saturday morning before the draft, difficult to pull off.

The Giants have already conducted a physical on Shockey, which could be offered to the Saints if he can't make it to New Orleans in time to have one. Sources indicate the Saints are seriously interested in Shockey, so a deal is likely to get done.

Saints general manager Mickey Loomis this week has declined to discuss players under contract with any other team, and has been evasive while meeting with reporters at the Saints' training headquarters. He has apologetically said that he did not want to tip off other teams to the Saints' draft plans.

The 28-year-old Shockey, who earned the first NFL championship of his career in January, broke his leg on Dec. 16 in a game against the Washington Redskins and did not play in the Super Bowl.