Jeremy Shockey is looking for another bite at the apple.

The free-agent tight end would like a chance to continue his career where it began, with the New York Giants.

Shockey played last season for the Carolina Panthers and they have expressed some interest in bringing him back but that hasn’t happened and now Shockey has let the Giants know he’s open to a return, according to Gary Myers of the New York Daily News.

Shockey spent six seasons with the Giants but forced his way out four years ago, heading to the New Orleans Saints. How much do the Giants need Shockey? They signed Martellus Bennett to a one-year contract, and Jake Ballard and Travis Beckum could each miss the 2012 season after suffering torn ACL’s in Super Bowl XLVI.

Some wonder how much the 31-year-old Shockey has left but he wouldn’t be required to be the man. He’s familiar with the surroundings and would be a solid fit. But this strikes us as the kind of deal that might take a while to come together. Shockey's original stay with the Giants ended with drama and some hard feelings but that may be smoothed over.

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Brad Biggs covers the Bears for the Chicago Tribune