Why Jake Ballard's retirement should caution waiver claimers


Jake Ballard, controversially picked up by the Patriots off of waivers in 2012 from the New York Giants, has retired from professional football according to Baltimore Ravens insider Aaron Wilson:



You've got to feel for the guy, as he just couldn't get healthy after the 2011 season. A three year career with only 45 catches usually isn't note worthy, but when you consider his role in the Superbowl run of the Giants and the Pats waiver claim, he is a fairly important figure in recent Patriots history.

For the Patriots moving forward, it does spell a cautionary tale. Much like Ballard in 2012, the Patriots have recently claimed Tyler Gaffney from the Carolina Panthers. Now while Gaffney is in team control much longer than Ballard was when they claimed him, Ballard was never the same. Let's hope that if the Patriots use the roster spot on Gaffney, and risk losing another player, that the outcome isn't the same.

Let's chat @TheFib0624

--Bill Stiles

Ballard stats via ESPN

Post a Comment
Share