not sure how owning his rights helps the Pats. He's not likely to sign a big FA deal after the season, so no comp picks are likely, and he isn't likely to play this year.
Most this does is allow the Pats to pay his salary.
How does this help them and why would Giants fans be upset about this?
In some sports, if a player is claimed on waivers, he has to be kept on the opening-day roster. What is the rule in the NFL? Can he go on the Pat's PUP list?
no reason to hammer Reese and it's still possible Ballard will end up a Giant. There's no denying that the Pats don't need a TE...this move was made for a non football reason in my humble opinion.
I don't understand why the Pats would make this move.
There has to be some football-related reason other than just "sticking it to the Giants". Maybe they think they'll be able to extend him before he hits the open market again.
like a move just to stick it to the Giants. The Pats already have two TEs, and Ballard isn't playing this year. The Pats now have to pay his salary, which is dead money on their cap since he can't play.
@TheBlueScreen: The Patriots will now pay Jake Ballard $540,000 not to play this year and I believe he'll be a restricted free agent after the season. #NYG
Put me in the "yeah, they need Jake Ballard...riiiiiiiiiiiight" camp. If they really want to know Giants option offense, IR Devin Thomas too while you are at it BB....man, I'm glad we beat them twice on the biggest stage....
Have a nice year collecting Kraft's money....if they let you stick around long enough after pumping you for Giants info....
He wasn't going to play this year. They're going out of their way just to take him away from the team for the season? There has to be more to it than that.
Next year at this time or after the season ends, we'll be talking about re-signing Bennett and the terrific strides made by Hopkins..It happens just about every year
now they control the rights to a guy who turned heads last year. Which means that they can negotiate a longer term contract with him. That's why you do it.
And to the Pats, hope to see you again in February!
why would they do that with the TE's that they have? Just to screw with the Giants?
Makes no sense.
Obviously, the Giants knew this was at least a possibility, or they wouldn't have placed him on waivers in the first place.
Most this does is allow the Pats to pay his salary.
How does this help them and why would Giants fans be upset about this?
When he's getting paid by the Pats next year and then they cut him next off-season the giants can re-sign him.
Not a big deal. But don't worry, I'm sure many will hammer Reese for this
He could still be back with the Giants in 2013.
Have a nice year collecting Kraft's money....if they let you stick around long enough after pumping you for Giants info....
Jake will be out for awhile but I'm sure there's a good reason BB would do this
Good luck and thanks for the memories Jake!