Two years ago, tight end Jake Ballard seemed to have a bright NFL future. Undrafted out of Ohio State in 2010, he became a significant contributor to the Giants’ 2011 Super Bowl run.
A torn ACL during the Super Bowl derailed his career, ultimately resulting in the Patriots pilfering him from the waiver wire as the Giants tried to slip Ballard through to a reserve list in 2012.
Come 2013, Ballard wasn’t deemed to be good enough to help the tight end hungry Patriots, and so he was cut. He could soon be returning to the game.
Per a league source, Ballard has spent the last four weeks working with trainers and medical professionals to get back to 100 percent. Teams have wanted to bring him in, but he has resisted.
Later this week, he plans to pick a team. Assuming that there is a current suitor for his services.
In 2011, Ballard had 38 catches for 604 yards and four touchdowns in 14 regular-season games. He added five catches for 43 yards in the postseason.