Jake Ballard another smart move by Patriots


ESPNBoston.com
The New England Patriots have claimed former New York Giants tight end Jake Ballard, who was waived/failed physical by New York on Monday, according to Ballard's agent Blake Baratz.

Ballard suffered a torn ACL in the Giants' Super Bowl XLVI win over the Patriots, and after undergoing microfracture surgery is expected to miss part or all of the 2012 season. By claiming Ballard, the Patriots will likely keep Ballard on their active roster until placing him on the Physically Unable to Perform list or injured reserve before the start of the regular season.

The Patriots now own Ballard's rights, and inherit his one-year, $540,000 contract. He will be an exclusive-rights free agent after this season, meaning the Patriots will control his rights heading into the 2013 season.

If Ballard suits up for the Pats this year, it likely won't be until Week 13. It begs the question, was it worth it?

Patriots fans should know this tight end's name. He had a huge game against the Patriots in the regular season meeting between the two teams last year - making a great play down the middle of the field to extend a late game drive and then catching the winning touchdown pass.

It's obvious that Jake Ballard got the attention of Bill Belichick. Bill Belichick often will go after signing players that have had success against the Patriots (see: Wes Welker).

Ballard is a bigger tight end (274 pounds) and can help blocking and in the passing game. Still, I doubt the Patriots are claiming him expecting him to contribute much on the field in 2012. By swooping in and picking up Jake Ballard, the Patriots have taken advantage of the NFL rules to their advantage, as they will now own his rights.



The Giants have to be frustrated. They wanted to keep him, but didn't want him to count against the 90 man roster.

Another smart move by the Patriots.

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