EAST RUTHERFORD, New Jersey (AFP) - The New York Giants are shipping disgruntled tight end Jeremy Shockey to the New Orleans Saints.

The reigning Super Bowl champion Giants traded Shockey to the Saints on Monday for second-round and fifth-round selections in the 2009 National Football League draft.

Shockey must pass a physical for the deal to be final.

He is the second high profile player to leave the Giants in as many months, following the retirement of seven-time Pro Bowl defensive end Michael Strahan.

"Jeremy is a very talented football player who always played with great enthusiasm and great effort," New York coach Tom Coughlin said. "He was excited about playing. Jeremy always enjoyed being a physical football player and a tough football player."

Shockey broke his leg late last season and missed the Giants' dramatic playoff run, capped by their 17-14 Super Bowl triumph over the previously unbeaten New England Patriots.

In his absence, rookie tight end Kevin Boss started six games - the final two regular-season contests and all four postseason games.

Shockey ranks second behind Kansas City's Tony Gonzalez in receptions among active tight ends. He is fourth on the Giants' all-time receiving list and first among tight ends.

But Shockey's attitude had become an issue as the Giants try to avoid distractions in their Super Bowl defense.

He reportedly got into a shouting match with Giants general manager Jerry Reese during the team's recent minicamp.

Shockey said last week that he was unhappy the Giants made him sit in co-owner Steve Tisch's luxury box instead of staying on the field during February's Super Bowl.

In New Orleans, Shockey would be re-united with Saints head coach Sean Payton, the Giants' former offensive coordinator.

He also would give Saints quarterback Drew Brees another option in a pass-oriented offense.

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