One of the facts that he been lost in the question of whether the New York Giants will trade tight end Jeremy Shockey is the dollars and the cents.

A league source tells us that Shockey is due to earn only (only?) $1.9 million in 2008.  Thus, the Giants can afford to keep him, and thus they very well might.

Next year, the analysis changes, when Shockey’s base salary surpasses $3.5 million.  By then, it might make sense for the team to move him.

We’re also hearing that Shockey’s desire to be traded doesn’t arise only from the fact that he’s still having trouble dealing with the team’s playoff run and Super Bowl win without him.  Shockey, as we’re told, also is angling for a new deal.

The problem, as a practical matter, is that few teams will be inclined to make the investment of cash and picks necessary to get him, given that he’s still recovering from a serious leg injury. 

In the end, it’s possible that a deal will only be done if the package includes a conditional 2009 draft pick based on his performance in 2008, and if he agrees to a contract that diverts a big chunk of the money to per-game roster bonuses or incentives.