View Full Version : Merrill: Chiefs expect to drop Morton
http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/sports/11793158.htm
Chiefs expect to drop Morton
By ELIZABETH MERRILL
Kansas City Star
And on June 1, the second wave of free agency hit Arrowhead Stadium, and left the Chiefs with …
Mike Kallfelz.
Kallfelz is an undrafted tight end from St. John Fisher College, the pride of the Empire 8 Athletic Conference. He was the only known visitor in what used to be a frenzied day of roster moves in the NFL.
On this June 1 at Arrowhead, an Abba song piped through the hallways, and Carl Peterson was locked away in a personnel meeting. Peterson, the Chiefs’ president and general manager, is expected to make one significant move, releasing veteran receiver Johnnie Morton as early as today.
Roughly two weeks ago, Morton was asked to stay away from spring practice. The Chiefs wanted Morton, 33, to take a pay cut, something he was unwilling to do last year.
The Chiefs would save more than Morton’s $3 million salary by waiting until today to release him. They’d also save $2.4 million against their salary cap, and his total cost for this season would be about $786,000.
Coach Dick Vermeil said Tuesday that he hadn’t talked to Morton in a couple of weeks. Morton’s agent, David Dunn, hasn’t returned phone calls to The Star.
Peterson said he’d discuss Morton’s status today.
It could be a bad day for the Morton family. His younger brother Chad, a return specialist for Washington, also is expected to be a salary-cap casualty. While Washington could make several cap moves, the Chiefs are expected to have a relatively quiet June after acquiring four defensive regulars through free agency and trades.
“I don’t think we’ll be very active at all,” Vermeil said last week.
The bargain-shopping wave of free agency, which begins after June 1, allows teams to drop heavy contracts in a cap-conducive way. There aren’t as many June moves in the NFL as in the past because teams are figuring out better ways to manage the cap.
Kallfelz won’t be a cap concern. He arrived in Kansas City on Tuesday, said his father, Michael. This is his second visit in pursuit of a free-agent contract.
oaklandhater
06-02-2005, 02:09 AM
Carl Peterson is expected to make one significant move, releasing veteran receiver Johnnie Morton as early as today.
one can only hope :)
Kerberos
06-02-2005, 06:39 AM
This is earth shattering news ! I'm shocked.
:D
.
Eleazar
06-02-2005, 07:12 AM
I wonder if, given the $2.4 cap space this clears, the team will bring in anyone else? Vermeil doesn't make it sound like they will.
Kclee
06-02-2005, 07:15 AM
I wonder if, given the $2.4 cap space this clears, the team will bring in anyone else? Vermeil doesn't make it sound like they will.
But didn't he also say at the beginning of OTA's that he wasn't going to be cut. Everything is a smokescreen.
milkman
06-02-2005, 07:40 AM
The use of the word "Drop" in this headline is really appropriate don't you think?
CosmicPal
06-02-2005, 07:43 AM
On this June 1 at Arrowhead, an Abba song piped through the hallways, .
Tough, demanding, and unforgiving organizations always pipe Abba through their hallways. :shake:
Warrior5
06-02-2005, 07:48 AM
Tough, demanding, and unforgiving organizations always pipe Abba through their hallways. :shake:
"Dancing Queen" and "Fernando" always fire the guys up.
whoman69
06-02-2005, 07:49 AM
I wonder if, given the $2.4 cap space this clears, the team will bring in anyone else? Vermeil doesn't make it sound like they will.
They will need that cap room to sign rookies.
I wonder if, given the $2.4 cap space this clears, the team will bring in anyone else? Vermeil doesn't make it sound like they will.
When Morton is released, I'd feel more comfortable if we brought in a veteran WR. We have nobody proven after Kennison. That's scary, especially when you consider what happened to the WR corps last season. :hmmm:
milkman
06-02-2005, 08:05 AM
When Morton is released, I'd feel more comfortable if we brought in a veteran WR. We have nobody proven after Kennison. That's scary, especially when you consider what happened to the WR corps last season. :hmmm:
I keep saying the same thing, but the more I think about it, the more I wonder if we shouldn't stand pat.
We do have a lot of young, unproven guys, but you'd think that at least of the guys in the group that includes Samie, Boe, Horn, McIntrye and Richard Smith will step up and claim the job.
I keep saying the same thing, but the more I think about it, the more I wonder if we shouldn't stand pat.
We do have a lot of young, unproven guys, but you'd think that at least of the guys in the group that includes Samie, Boe, Horn, McIntrye and Richard Smith will step up and claim the job.
That certainly is possible and Parker looks to be the guy. I have no concerns about Boe, other than health but that is a big concern when you consider his injury. The deal is with the others, when the bullets sart flying for real, they could flop just like Smith did last year. :hmmm:
CosmicPal
06-02-2005, 08:19 AM
That certainly is possible and Parker looks to be the guy. I have no concerns about Boe, other than health but that is a big concern when you consider his injury. The deal is with the others, when the bullets sart flying for real, they could flop just like Smith did last year. :hmmm:
Hey Tex, read your PM...sorry, it took me so long.
BTW- Parker will shine this year, I believe it....
jspchief
06-02-2005, 08:20 AM
Like I said all along, I'm not excited about the prospect of dumping Morton. I'm not broken up over it either though.
I just don't think it's a sure thing that the guy that steps in for Morton will be better. If Parker takes over, then we still need a slot receiver. I don't want Hall in the slot, he's just not that effective, and it hurts his return production. That leaves us a lot of unexperienced guys, with Boe being the best of the bunch.
I don't see how we can get someone better through June 1 cuts either. We'll be trading our cast off bum, for a cast off bum that doesn't know the offense. It just doesn't excite me.
As far as I'm concerned, as long as we can afford Morton, we should keep him. If we need the cap space, then I understand letting him go.
milkman
06-02-2005, 08:21 AM
BTW- Parker will shine this year, I believe it....
I agree with you.
milkman
06-02-2005, 08:26 AM
That certainly is possible and Parker looks to be the guy. I have no concerns about Boe, other than health but that is a big concern when you consider his injury. The deal is with the others, when the bullets sart flying for real, they could flop just like Smith did last year. :hmmm:
I think there comes a time when ya gotta roll the dice, and that time is now.
The possible cap cuts just don't excite me.
Kclee
06-02-2005, 08:49 AM
I think there comes a time when ya gotta roll the dice, and that time is now.
The possible cap cuts just don't excite me.
Yep, I say roll the dice.
Plus I think Andre Rison still wants back in the NFL. So we have that to fall back on. SPIDERMAN!!11!eleven1!one!!! :)
BigChiefFan
06-02-2005, 08:55 AM
I think there comes a time when ya gotta roll the dice, and that time is now.
The possible cap cuts just don't excite me.
Why roll the dice, if you don't have to and you can be assured of what you are getting in return? This is Vermeil's FINAL year, this isn't the year, to see if Parker can be productive in the NFL, if we can afford to keep Morton.
Like I said all along, I'm not excited about the prospect of dumping Morton. I'm not broken up over it either though.
I just don't think it's a sure thing that the guy that steps in for Morton will be better. If Parker takes over, then we still need a slot receiver. I don't want Hall in the slot, he's just not that effective, and it hurts his return production. That leaves us a lot of unexperienced guys, with Boe being the best of the bunch.
I don't see how we can get someone better through June 1 cuts either. We'll be trading our cast off bum, for a cast off bum that doesn't know the offense. It just doesn't excite me.
As far as I'm concerned, as long as we can afford Morton, we should keep him. If we need the cap space, then I understand letting him go.
That's how I feel as well.
milkman
06-02-2005, 09:01 AM
Why roll the dice, if you don't have to and you can be assured of what you are getting in return? This is Vermeil's FINAL year, this isn't the year, to see if Parker can be productive in the NFL, if we can afford to keep Morton.
Because guys like Rod Gardner, Koren Robinson, Peter Warrick, etc, are as much of a roll of the dice as the guys we have right now.
The difference is that the guys we have right now haven't yet had the chance to show they are as non-productive as the FA we could possibly sign.
I think the chance that one of the guys on the roster already will step up are better than the chance that one of these other underachievers will.
redfan
06-02-2005, 09:14 AM
Marv Albert: YESSSS!! And it counts!
PBJ
Because guys like Rod Gardner, Koren Robinson, Peter Warrick, etc, are as much of a roll of the dice as the guys we have right now.
The difference is that the guys we have right now haven't yet had the chance to show they are as non-productive as the FA we could possibly sign.
I think the chance that one of the guys on the roster already will step up are better than the chance that one of these other underachievers will.
I would disagree whole heartedly. Other than Kennison and Hall, we have no proven WR. I think I type this every day, but Samie Parker has played in a total of 4 NFL games. He's never even had a 100 yard receiving game. So your saying he's the same as Rod Gardner, a WR with a 1,000 yard season to his credit? Same thing goes for Marc Boerigter. Boe has enough trouble getting through training camp healthy, let alone be counted on for 16 games as the #2 starter.
Your right, Parker and Boe haven't gotten a chance. However, just because KC inked Gardner or Warrrick doesn't mean they still couldn't beat them out for the #2 spot.
Bottom line is Parker could flop and Boe could be injured again, or not be able to come back....then what.
Rausch
06-02-2005, 09:37 AM
I like the idea of bringing in Warrick to compete. I think he'd be perfect for our no 1 WR spot.
His problem is not his hands or speed (he's also a solid K/P returner when healhty) it's his ability to stay healhty. The absolute most our no 1 will catch will be 60-70 passes anyway...
milkman
06-02-2005, 09:38 AM
I would disagree whole heartedly. Other than Kennison and Hall, we have no proven WR. I think I type this every day, but Samie Parker has played in a total of 4 NFL games. He's never even had a 100 yard receiving game. So your saying he's the same as Rod Gardner, a WR with a 1,000 yard season to his credit? Same thing goes for Marc Boerigter. Boe has enough trouble getting through training camp healthy, let alone be counted on for 16 games as the #2 starter.
Your right, Parker and Boe haven't gotten a chance. However, just because KC inked Gardner or Warrrick doesn't mean they still couldn't beat them out for the #2 spot.
Bottom line is Parker could flop and Boe could be injured again, or not be able to come back....then what.
No, I'm not saying that Parker or Boe are the same as Rod Gardner.
I'm saying that Rod Gardner has proven that he's an underachiever.
If the Skins don't think enough of him, on a team that has struggled on offense, why would I want to bring his underachieveing ass to KC.
I like the idea of bringing in Warrick to compete. I think he'd be perfect for our no 1 WR spot.
His problem is not his hands or speed (he's also a solid K/P returner when healhty) it's his ability to stay healhty. The absolute most our no 1 will catch will be 60-70 passes anyway...
And right now, Warrick is injured. He still hasn't gotten clearance from the Bengals training staff to start working with the team. I would actually be surprised to see Warrick cut. He's been at the Bengals facility working out for several months now according to the Bengals board.
No, I'm not saying that Parker or Boe are the same as Rod Gardner.
I'm saying that Rod Gardner has proven that he's an underachiever.
If the Skins don't think enough of him, on a team that has struggled on offense, why would I want to bring his underachieveing ass to KC.
Underachieving because they expected him to be the next Randy Moss. We are expecting him to be our 3rd option in the passing game behind Gonzalez and Kennison. I can't believe Gardner has put the numbers he has with the QB carousel in Washington.
Chris Meck
06-02-2005, 10:12 AM
I've said it before, and I'll say it again:
the only way you get better is to develop your young talent. The only way to do that is to play the guys. Otherwise, you'll never know.
You can't build a team by going out and signing free agents off the street instead of developing your young talent all the time.
Play the kids.
Chris
I've said it before, and I'll say it again:
the only way you get better is to develop your young talent. The only way to do that is to play the guys. Otherwise, you'll never know.
You can't build a team by going out and signing free agents off the street instead of developing your young talent all the time.
Play the kids.
Chris
You act like if we sign Rod Gardner or Peter Warrick, Samie Parker, Marc Boerigter and Crow Thorpe will just be tossed to the side. They can still compete....And Gardner and Warrick are young WR's.
J Diddy
06-02-2005, 10:14 AM
I've said it before, and I'll say it again:
the only way you get better is to develop your young talent. The only way to do that is to play the guys. Otherwise, you'll never know.
You can't build a team by going out and signing free agents off the street instead of developing your young talent all the time.
Play the kids.
Chris
I've never said it before and I may never say it again....
I agree with you.
milkman
06-02-2005, 10:17 AM
You act like if we sign Rod Gardner or Peter Warrick, Samie Parker, Marc Boerigter and Crow Thorpe will just be tossed to the side. They can still compete....And Gardner and Warrick are young WR's.
If we sign Gardner, or any other FA, one of them will be tossed aside.
J Diddy
06-02-2005, 10:17 AM
You act like if we sign Rod Gardner or Peter Warrick, Samie Parker, Marc Boerigter and Crow Thorpe will just be tossed to the side. They can still compete....And Gardner and Warrick are young WR's.
That's the thing they will.
If we sign a vet then they will toss them to the side. Vermeil goes with experience every single time.
Realistically though. If Morton isn't with us and the number one wr only gets 50 catches that's not that far off Morton's numbers anyway. See what the kids got.
Chief Faithful
06-02-2005, 10:51 AM
I've said it before, and I'll say it again:
the only way you get better is to develop your young talent. The only way to do that is to play the guys. Otherwise, you'll never know.
You can't build a team by going out and signing free agents off the street instead of developing your young talent all the time.
Play the kids.
Chris
I agree with you, but I think Rod Gardner could be added to the list of young guys to develop.
jspchief
06-02-2005, 10:53 AM
I would disagree whole heartedly. Other than Kennison and Hall, we have no proven WR. I think I type this every day, but Samie Parker has played in a total of 4 NFL games. He's never even had a 100 yard receiving game. So your saying he's the same as Rod Gardner, a WR with a 1,000 yard season to his credit? Same thing goes for Marc Boerigter. Boe has enough trouble getting through training camp healthy, let alone be counted on for 16 games as the #2 starter.
Your right, Parker and Boe haven't gotten a chance. However, just because KC inked Gardner or Warrrick doesn't mean they still couldn't beat them out for the #2 spot.
Bottom line is Parker could flop and Boe could be injured again, or not be able to come back....then what.
Sounds like a good argument to keep Morton.
Like I already said, I prefer our bum that knows the offense over some cast-off bum that doesn't know the offense. If we can afford to keep Morton, I see no good reason not to.
J Diddy
06-02-2005, 10:58 AM
Sounds like a good argument to keep Morton.
Like I already said, I prefer our bum that knows the offense over some cast-off bum that doesn't know the offense. If we can afford to keep Morton, I see no good reason not to.
I'm of the belief that he is a tool. The kind that makes a huge spectacle when he makes a play, but seldom makes a play. Through in injury problems and suddenly he's an old broken tool.
Katie
06-02-2005, 11:02 AM
If they haven't released him yet, maybe they are trying to restructure his contract? Wouldn't they have already let him go if this wasn't the case?
Calcountry
06-02-2005, 11:05 AM
They will need that cap room to sign rookies.There are at least 2 that we HAVE to sign. lol.
J Diddy
06-02-2005, 11:06 AM
If they haven't released him yet, maybe they are trying to restructure his contract? Wouldn't they have already let him go if this wasn't the case?
Nah, doesn't really matter when they cut him. From here on out it's the same deal.
jspchief
06-02-2005, 11:07 AM
I'm of the belief that he is a tool. The kind that makes a huge spectacle when he makes a play, but seldom makes a play. Through in injury problems and suddenly he's an old broken tool.A tool? These are the reasons I keep hearing. He's gay, he's a tool, etc, etc.
Fact is, he was on pace for 1000 yards last year. He doesn't drop the ball any more than Kennison or Gonzo. And most importantly, he knows the offense. An offense that relies heavily on timing, where Green has to be able to trust his WRs will be where they are supposed to be. If the only theing Morton does is suck as bad as he did last year, we'll likely be the top offense in the league again.
If it's not broke, do we really want to start tinkering with it?
StcChief
06-02-2005, 11:08 AM
Ditto.
Should be interesting fight for #1 receiver, unless Kennison is moving there.
Kclee
06-02-2005, 11:51 AM
A tool? These are the reasons I keep hearing. He's gay, he's a tool, etc, etc.
How about him faking injuries to get out of practice then be 100% for week 1. You want the young WR's seeing that again this year? Nice way to teach Parker or Crap. Or him being a total dick to most Chief fans. He won't redo his contract even though he hasn't earned what he has been paid. The dick has no respect for the Chiefs or Chief fans. **** him, get him out of here.
jspchief
06-02-2005, 12:16 PM
How about him faking injuries to get out of practice then be 100% for week 1. You want the young WR's seeing that again this year? Nice way to teach Parker or Crap. Or him being a total dick to most Chief fans. He won't redo his contract even though he hasn't earned what he has been paid. The dick has no respect for the Chiefs or Chief fans. **** him, get him out of here.
1. A lot of veterans skip training camp. It's a perfect opportunity for someone to step up and replace Morton. No one was capable of it last year.
2. So he's a dick. So are a lot of athletes. I'm not looking to the Chiefs to make freinds, I want to watch my team win. Gonzo is a dick too. Want to cut him?
3. Again, he's no different than a large majority of pro athletes.
I don't like him. I think he's overpaid. But if we can afford to keep him, I think he's likely a better option than bringing in someone that has to learn the offense. In the end, I can live with him if he lets our offense continue to perform at the level it has the last two years.
1. A lot of veterans skip training camp. It's a perfect opportunity for someone to step up and replace Morton. No one was capable of it last year.
2. So he's a dick. So are a lot of athletes. I'm not looking to the Chiefs to make freinds, I want to watch my team win. Gonzo is a dick too. Want to cut him?
3. Again, he's no different than a large majority of pro athletes.
I don't like him. I think he's overpaid. But if we can afford to keep him, I think he's likely a better option than bringing in someone that has to learn the offense. In the end, I can live with him if he lets our offense continue to perform at the level it has the last two years.
No, he didn't skip training camp. He was asked to restructure his contract...declined...then Vermeil told Morton he would have to beat out Boe for his starting spot. Morton proceded to be "injured" for the next several weeks. Morton only came back when Boe was injured in the Preseason.
Same thing happened at the end of last season. Parker started to come back from injury, and was getting more reps in practice at the #2 spot. Morton proceded to be "injured" and sat out the last 3 games of the season.
Morton is a joke.
Kclee
06-02-2005, 12:43 PM
1. A lot of veterans skip training camp. It's a perfect opportunity for someone to step up and replace Morton. No one was capable of it last year.
2. So he's a dick. So are a lot of athletes. I'm not looking to the Chiefs to make freinds, I want to watch my team win. Gonzo is a dick too. Want to cut him?
3. Again, he's no different than a large majority of pro athletes.
I don't like him. I think he's overpaid. But if we can afford to keep him, I think he's likely a better option than bringing in someone that has to learn the offense. In the end, I can live with him if he lets our offense continue to perform at the level it has the last two years.
I see your point. I don't want the offense to slide at all. I'm just of the opinion that someone can step up and produce => than Morton. Namely, Parker.
jspchief
06-02-2005, 12:49 PM
I see your point. I don't want the offense to slide at all. I'm just of the opinion that someone can step up and produce => than Morton. Namely, Parker.
I'm hoping Parker can step into the #2 spot, and Morton can be dropped to the slot. I'm just not convinced that I want to dump Morton "because he's a dick". If we can afford to keep him on the roster, he's good enough that we should. Granted, he'll be overpaid, but as long as it fits under the cap, I don't care.
If someone gets injured, or if one of these guys doesn't step up, we're going to wish we had Morton.
J Diddy
06-02-2005, 01:06 PM
A tool? These are the reasons I keep hearing. He's gay, he's a tool, etc, etc.
Fact is, he was on pace for 1000 yards last year. He doesn't drop the ball any more than Kennison or Gonzo. And most importantly, he knows the offense. An offense that relies heavily on timing, where Green has to be able to trust his WRs will be where they are supposed to be. If the only theing Morton does is suck as bad as he did last year, we'll likely be the top offense in the league again.
If it's not broke, do we really want to start tinkering with it?
Take the homer glasses off dude.
It wasn't the amount of passes he dropped it's when he dropped him. It's not being able to outrun anybody any more. He had a large salary compared to his production. With that being said, you have a rookie from last year waiting to get his shot, who can outrun people, made some clutch catches (as a rookie), doesn't make that much, yet. He may not be the answer but if he starts and makes 40 catches for 600 yards we aren't losing out too much.
jspchief
06-02-2005, 01:18 PM
Take the homer glasses off dude.
It wasn't the amount of passes he dropped it's when he dropped him. It's not being able to outrun anybody any more. He had a large salary compared to his production. With that being said, you have a rookie from last year waiting to get his shot, who can outrun people, made some clutch catches (as a rookie), doesn't make that much, yet. He may not be the answer but if he starts and makes 40 catches for 600 yards we aren't losing out too much.
They aren't "homer glasses" as much as "better safe than sorry glasses".
With Morton, we have a known commodity. He knows the scheme, and will get his 700 yards.
We're basing predictions that Parker will be better, off of 3 games, only one of which he did anything significant in (which was his first game, so Dungver didn't know what to expect).
Same with Boe. We have one year where he was great in limited play, followed by a year where he played poorly in an increased role. Now he's trying to return from a significant injury and a year long lay-off.
It's all moot now, since Morton is officially gone. I'm rooting for Samie to step up, and Boe to return to his 2002 form.
Kclee
06-02-2005, 01:26 PM
I'm hoping Parker can step into the #2 spot, and Morton can be dropped to the slot. I'm just not convinced that I want to dump Morton "because he's a dick". If we can afford to keep him on the roster, he's good enough that we should. Granted, he'll be overpaid, but as long as it fits under the cap, I don't care.
If someone gets injured, or if one of these guys doesn't step up, we're going to wish we had Morton.
Well, he's cut. It's moot now.
Kclee
06-02-2005, 01:28 PM
.
It's all moot now, since Morton is officially gone. I'm rooting for Samie to step up, and Boe to return to his 2002 form.
Heh, I started typing mine, and got called away. I should have refreshed.
I'm hoping Parker can step into the #2 spot, and Morton can be dropped to the slot. I'm just not convinced that I want to dump Morton "because he's a dick". If we can afford to keep him on the roster, he's good enough that we should. Granted, he'll be overpaid, but as long as it fits under the cap, I don't care.
If someone gets injured, or if one of these guys doesn't step up, we're going to wish we had Morton.
Did you read post #42 at all?
jspchief
06-02-2005, 01:35 PM
Did you read post #42 at all?Yes, I did. Just didn't feel like responding, but here goes....
I call it "skipped" you call it "faked an injury"...either way, he wasn't in training camp. I don't care why he didn't practice in the off-season. He started the first game of the year, and was on pace to have his best year as a Chief. In the end, the production is what counts.
As far as the end of the season, you say he faked an injury. I say bullsh*t, prove it. If he did, KC wouldn't have bothered trying to restructure his contract this year. They would have just dropped him on his ass.
If Parker or Boe don't step up, Johnny Morton won't look like such a terrible option.
Like I already said, it's all moot now.
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