Panthers tight end Jeremy Shockey is confident that a labor deal will be reached without the loss of any regular season games, Joseph Person of the Charlotte Observer reports.
“Both sides want a deal. They want a football season. I know the players want a football season. I know the owners want a football season,” Shockey said. “We’ll come to an agreement. There’s not a doubt in mind that no games will be missed at all.”
Released by the Saints on February 22nd, Shockey signed a one-year deal with the Panthers on March 2nd.
A 2002 first-round pick (14th overall) out of the University of Miami by the New York Giants, Shockey has 510 receptions for 5,688 yards and 33 touchdowns during his nine-year career. By signing with the Panthers, Shockey reunites with first-year offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski, who coached tight ends coach and later coordinated the offense when Shockey was in Coral Gables.
“It’s really important for this lockout to end so we can start installation (of Chudzinski’s offense),” said Shockey. “But again, it’s not such a complex offense like coming from New York to the New Orleans Saints. Sean Payton’s offense is very complex.”