The Franchise
04-20-2009, 04:19 PM
http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/9477606/As-draft-looms,-watch-out-for-these-trades
Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez
Summary: Gonzalez has said he isn't actively pushing Chiefs management for a trade, but his actions last weekend spoke volumes. Gonzalez and left guard Brian Waters (see below) both skipped the first volunteer minicamp under new head coach Todd Haley.
Gonzalez has never won a playoff game during his 12 NFL seasons in Kansas City and may not have the chance again on a rebuilding Chiefs squad. Haley and new general manager Scott Pioli are trying to change the culture in Kansas City. Gonzalez's absence is undermining those efforts.
Likely compensation: A second-round pick. Gonzalez continued to produce at a high level in 2008 on an awful team. Gonzalez, though, is 33 years old and has said he is approaching whether to continue playing each season on a year-by-year basis.
Trade odds: Very good. Atlanta is mulling whether to make a trade offer. Gonzalez would provide veteran leadership and give second-year quarterback Matt Ryan a Hall of Fame-caliber receiving target. Gonzalez, though, may not be an ideal fit considering Falcons offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey usually doesn't showcase the tight end in his passing attack.
Chiefs running back Larry Johnson
Summary: In February, Johnson told a radio station that he would "rather play somewhere else." Johnson has since softened that stance and reported last weekend for the team's voluntary minicamp.
Likely compensation: A mid- to late-round pick. Consecutive rushing seasons of 1,700-plus yards in 2005 and 2006 landed Johnson a big contract extension. Since then, Johnson's productivity has plummeted because of injuries and disciplinary issues.
Trade odds: Poor. A release seems more likely than a trade if the Chiefs ultimately can't get Johnson to lower his 2009 base salary of $4.55 million. To his credit, Johnson is being a good soldier and has immersed himself in Kansas City's offseason program.
Other players who may be on the move:
Chiefs guard Brian Waters: Waters wants out after reportedly bumping heads with Pioli and Haley shortly after their arrival. But unless the Chiefs shore a weak offensive line in the draft, Waters may be too valuable to let go. Waters, 32, is coming off his fourth Pro Bowl selection in nine NFL seasons.
Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez
Summary: Gonzalez has said he isn't actively pushing Chiefs management for a trade, but his actions last weekend spoke volumes. Gonzalez and left guard Brian Waters (see below) both skipped the first volunteer minicamp under new head coach Todd Haley.
Gonzalez has never won a playoff game during his 12 NFL seasons in Kansas City and may not have the chance again on a rebuilding Chiefs squad. Haley and new general manager Scott Pioli are trying to change the culture in Kansas City. Gonzalez's absence is undermining those efforts.
Likely compensation: A second-round pick. Gonzalez continued to produce at a high level in 2008 on an awful team. Gonzalez, though, is 33 years old and has said he is approaching whether to continue playing each season on a year-by-year basis.
Trade odds: Very good. Atlanta is mulling whether to make a trade offer. Gonzalez would provide veteran leadership and give second-year quarterback Matt Ryan a Hall of Fame-caliber receiving target. Gonzalez, though, may not be an ideal fit considering Falcons offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey usually doesn't showcase the tight end in his passing attack.
Chiefs running back Larry Johnson
Summary: In February, Johnson told a radio station that he would "rather play somewhere else." Johnson has since softened that stance and reported last weekend for the team's voluntary minicamp.
Likely compensation: A mid- to late-round pick. Consecutive rushing seasons of 1,700-plus yards in 2005 and 2006 landed Johnson a big contract extension. Since then, Johnson's productivity has plummeted because of injuries and disciplinary issues.
Trade odds: Poor. A release seems more likely than a trade if the Chiefs ultimately can't get Johnson to lower his 2009 base salary of $4.55 million. To his credit, Johnson is being a good soldier and has immersed himself in Kansas City's offseason program.
Other players who may be on the move:
Chiefs guard Brian Waters: Waters wants out after reportedly bumping heads with Pioli and Haley shortly after their arrival. But unless the Chiefs shore a weak offensive line in the draft, Waters may be too valuable to let go. Waters, 32, is coming off his fourth Pro Bowl selection in nine NFL seasons.