KC Star on Holcombe and Johnson

Archie Bunker · 04-08-2005, 01:12 AM

http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansas...s/11339819.htm

Chiefs add running back

Holcombe signs; Ravens receiver pays KC a visit

By ADAM TEICHER

The Kansas City Star

The Chiefs turned their free-agent attention to offense Thursday long enough to sign running back Robert Holcombe to a one-year contract and meet with wide receiver Kevin Johnson.

Holcombe will be a backup to Priest Holmes and Larry Johnson at halfback and Tony Richardson at fullback. He will also play on special teams.

“He's a great team guy,'' coach Dick Vermeil said. “Whatever you ask him to do, he does it. He will help on special teams. He fits what we do.

“He's not Priest Holmes or Larry Johnson as a pure running back. He's not Tony Richardson as a pure fullback. He's a combination of those guys, which really allows you flexibility. He'll be a great asset.''

Holcombe joined the NFL in 1998 with the Rams, then coached by Vermeil. He also has played for Tennessee.

Holcombe probably will play most in passing situations. He's a good pass protector and receiver.

The Chiefs liked Kevin Johnson so much earlier in his career they almost traded for him when he was with Cleveland in 2001. The teams could never agree on trade terms, and he went on to catch 84 passes for 1,079 yards and nine touchdowns.

His production has since dipped, and Johnson bounced from Cleveland to Jacksonville to Baltimore.

The Chiefs liked what they saw of Kevin Johnson, who will turn 29 in July.

“We didn't bring him in just to feed him dinner,'' said Vermeil, indicating the Chiefs may have a serious interest in signing Johnson. “He (would) compete (for a starting position). He's caught over 80 balls and started just about every game for a few years in a row now. He's got plenty of experience.

“He's the type of receiver who is quick and can separate from coverage. He's got great hands and can run with the ball after he catches it.''
Kevin Johnson's signing probably would have the biggest effect on Johnnie Morton. He will be 34 in October and could be released in June if he doesn't accept a cut in his scheduled salary of $3 million.

Asked whether Morton would play for the Chiefs this season, Vermeil said, “As of right now, yes.''

Miles · 04-08-2005, 01:22 AM

I cant really see any downside to signing Johnson. Especially since he is considered to have great hands.

Uncle_Ted · 04-08-2005, 01:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Archie Bunker

Asked whether Morton would play for the Chiefs this season, Vermeil said, “As of right now, yes.''

"... and as soon as we sign Johnson, no."

Coach · 04-08-2005, 01:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Uncle_Ted

"... and as soon as we sign Johnson, no."

That's the impression I get for now....

Nightfyre · 04-08-2005, 03:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Uncle_Ted

"... and as soon as we sign Johnson, no."

"... and as soon as June 1st arrives, no."
there, fixxed it.

Mile High Mania · 04-08-2005, 05:32 AM

Maybe a change of scenery will fit Johnson... can't exactly say that playing with Boller is "ideal". Should get him cheap.

**the Talking Can** · 04-08-2005, 05:42 AM

in terms of production it would probably be a lateral move...but the dude is 5 years younger, cheaper, and isn't so mind bendingly dumb as Morton....

MichaelH · 04-08-2005, 05:50 AM

Quote:

He's not Priest Holmes or Larry Johnson as a pure running back

Is DV finally admitting that Larry Johnson might be almost as good as Priest?

I'm sure it slipped out accidently.

TRR · 04-08-2005, 06:37 AM

I want Kevin Johnson signed so bad. I am ready for the Johnnie Morton era to be over. KJ signing in KC would end that.

Warrior5 · 04-08-2005, 07:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by the Talking Can

in terms of production it would probably be a lateral move...but the dude is 5 years younger, cheaper, and isn't so mind bendingly dumb as Morton....

...and I bet Vermiel is sick of seeing post TD "worm".

Mike Grose · 04-08-2005, 07:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Warrior5

...and I bet Vermiel is sick of seeing post TD "worm".

Now there is an important point.

No.

Really.

I am so damn sick of Morton's worm. I'd rather he fell down at the 1 and let LJ or Priest get the score rather than seeing that idiot flopping on the ground in Chiefs red. It's almost as bad as Rison humping the goal post.

Wile_E_Coyote · 04-08-2005, 08:26 AM

http://www.nj.com/sports/times/index...4790758741.xml

Free-agent wide receiver Kevin Johnson, the former Hamilton High standout, spent yesterday in Kansas City talking with the Chiefs top personnel people and could be close to a deal with the team.

Johnson, who opted out of his contract with the Baltimore Ravens last month, flew home last night, but was hopeful a contract with the Chiefs could get done possibly as soon as today.

"Things went well," Johnson said from the Kansas City airport. "I like it here. It's a good organization with good people. I'm hoping things work out."

Johnson's agent, Tom Condon, is based in Kansas City and will talk to the Chiefs today.

If Johnson, who led the Ravens in receptions last year with 35 (a career-low for him) signs with the Chiefs he would join another Mercer County native, Gary Stills, on the roster. It would mark the first time two players from Mercer County played for the same NFL team.
- MARK ECKEL

**the Talking Can** · 04-08-2005, 08:29 AM

as a WR he should thrilled to move from the Ravens to the Chiefs....Much like Beisel, as a LB, felt moving from the Chiefs to the Pats...

**Iowanian** · 04-08-2005, 08:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike Grose

I am so damn sick of Morton's worm. .

There are so many places I can go with this post..........like make a joke about All of JM's Boyfriend's saying that...........

But instead........I'll say that to all those who hate the Endzone-Worm.

At least you only had to see it 3-4 times a year.

whoman69 · 04-08-2005, 08:37 AM

Quote:

“He's not Priest Holmes or Larry Johnson as a pure running back. He's not Tony Richardson as a pure fullback. He's a combination of those guys, which really allows you flexibility. He'll be a great asset.''

Why does Vermeil like these tweeners so freaking much? What did he just tell me in this statement. When we ask him to run the ball, he won't get the job done. When we ask him to block, he won't get the job done. But he can block and run the ball, just not very well.

04-08-2005, 01:12 AM
Archie Bunker The Wait Is Over Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Random Small Town Casino cash: $1718978	KC Star on Holcombe and Johnson http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansas...s/11339819.htm Chiefs add running back Holcombe signs; Ravens receiver pays KC a visit By ADAM TEICHER The Kansas City Star The Chiefs turned their free-agent attention to offense Thursday long enough to sign running back Robert Holcombe to a one-year contract and meet with wide receiver Kevin Johnson. Holcombe will be a backup to Priest Holmes and Larry Johnson at halfback and Tony Richardson at fullback. He will also play on special teams. “He's a great team guy,'' coach Dick Vermeil said. “Whatever you ask him to do, he does it. He will help on special teams. He fits what we do. “He's not Priest Holmes or Larry Johnson as a pure running back. He's not Tony Richardson as a pure fullback. He's a combination of those guys, which really allows you flexibility. He'll be a great asset.'' Holcombe joined the NFL in 1998 with the Rams, then coached by Vermeil. He also has played for Tennessee. Holcombe probably will play most in passing situations. He's a good pass protector and receiver. The Chiefs liked Kevin Johnson so much earlier in his career they almost traded for him when he was with Cleveland in 2001. The teams could never agree on trade terms, and he went on to catch 84 passes for 1,079 yards and nine touchdowns. His production has since dipped, and Johnson bounced from Cleveland to Jacksonville to Baltimore. The Chiefs liked what they saw of Kevin Johnson, who will turn 29 in July. “We didn't bring him in just to feed him dinner,'' said Vermeil, indicating the Chiefs may have a serious interest in signing Johnson. “He (would) compete (for a starting position). He's caught over 80 balls and started just about every game for a few years in a row now. He's got plenty of experience. “He's the type of receiver who is quick and can separate from coverage. He's got great hands and can run with the ball after he catches it.'' Kevin Johnson's signing probably would have the biggest effect on Johnnie Morton. He will be 34 in October and could be released in June if he doesn't accept a cut in his scheduled salary of $3 million. Asked whether Morton would play for the Chiefs this season, Vermeil said, “As of right now, yes.''
Posts: 6,194

04-08-2005, 01:22 AM	#2
Miles MVP Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Dallas, TX Casino cash: $1362400	I cant really see any downside to signing Johnson. Especially since he is considered to have great hands.
Posts: 14,522

04-08-2005, 05:32 AM	#6
Mile High Mania #triggering Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Tejas Casino cash: $3447229	Maybe a change of scenery will fit Johnson... can't exactly say that playing with Boller is "ideal". Should get him cheap. __________________
Posts: 30,345

04-08-2005, 05:42 AM	#7
the Talking Can Supporter Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: street Casino cash: $10022208	in terms of production it would probably be a lateral move...but the dude is 5 years younger, cheaper, and isn't so mind bendingly dumb as Morton.... __________________ Clark Hunt: "Thank god for the Dominican pool boy"
Posts: 51,585

04-08-2005, 06:37 AM	#9
TRR The Priest and I Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: CO Casino cash: $9870185	I want Kevin Johnson signed so bad. I am ready for the Johnnie Morton era to be over. KJ signing in KC would end that.
Posts: 7,262

04-08-2005, 08:26 AM	#12
Wile_E_Coyote avatar down for remodel Join Date: Jul 2001 Casino cash: $10004900	Johnson Close to Deal with Chiefs http://www.nj.com/sports/times/index...4790758741.xml Free-agent wide receiver Kevin Johnson, the former Hamilton High standout, spent yesterday in Kansas City talking with the Chiefs top personnel people and could be close to a deal with the team. Johnson, who opted out of his contract with the Baltimore Ravens last month, flew home last night, but was hopeful a contract with the Chiefs could get done possibly as soon as today. "Things went well," Johnson said from the Kansas City airport. "I like it here. It's a good organization with good people. I'm hoping things work out." Johnson's agent, Tom Condon, is based in Kansas City and will talk to the Chiefs today. If Johnson, who led the Ravens in receptions last year with 35 (a career-low for him) signs with the Chiefs he would join another Mercer County native, Gary Stills, on the roster. It would mark the first time two players from Mercer County played for the same NFL team. - MARK ECKEL
Posts: 6,009

04-08-2005, 08:29 AM	#13
the Talking Can Supporter Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: street Casino cash: $10022208	as a WR he should thrilled to move from the Ravens to the Chiefs....Much like Beisel, as a LB, felt moving from the Chiefs to the Pats... __________________ Clark Hunt: "Thank god for the Dominican pool boy"
Posts: 51,585