Falcons after Gonzalez

[LaChapelle]

Report: Falcons Still Want Gonzalez

Posted by Mike Florio on April 13, 2009, 10:10 a.m. EDT

Though it remains to be seen whether tight end Tony Gonzalez wants out of Kansas City, one team that tried to get him in 2008 reportedly still wants him.

Michael Lombardi of NFP reports that the Falcons are “seriously interested” in trading for the veteran Pro Bowler, and might be willing to give up their second-round pick in the draft (55th overall) to make it happen.

We see several issues with this one:

1. Do the Chiefs want to trade Gonzalez at all? For now, the answer isn’t clear.

2. Does Gonzalez want out? Again, unclear.

3. If Gonzalez wants out, would he be willing to play for the Falcons? One thing we know is that Gonzalez wanted no part of the Falcons during the 2008 season, when the Falcons made a play for acquiring his services. So has Gonzalez’s position changed?

4. With two former New England colleagues calling the shots in Kansas City and Atlanta, would this be an impediment to getting a deal done, or would it help? Chiefs G.M. Scott Pioli was able to strike a deal with Pats coach Bill Belichick for quarterback Matt Cassel, but the second-round pick the Chiefs gave up for Cassel and linebacker Mike Vrabel prompted suspicion that Belichick handed Pioli a sweetheart deal. So would Pioli and/or former Pats director of college scouting Thomas Dimitroff be leery of the aftermath of a trade for Gonzalez, and would they feel the need to drive a harder bargain in order to avoid being criticized?

We’re not saying the trade can’t happen. But several hurdles would have to be overcome in order to make it so.

[Brock]

Originally Posted by LaChapelle

Report: Falcons Still Want Gonzalez

Posted by Mike Florio on April 13, 2009, 10:10 a.m. EDT

but the second-round pick the Chiefs gave up for Cassel and linebacker Mike Vrabel prompted suspicion that Belichick handed Pioli a sweetheart deal.

From who?

[Micjones]

Hopefully this all blows over.
End your career in KC Tony...

[LaChapelle]

If Bowe would have made two catches. Herm and possibly Carl could still be employed at one Arrowhead Dr.

[htismaqe]

Originally Posted by LaChapelle

If Bowe would have made two catches. Herm and possibly Carl could still be employed at one Arrowhead Dr.

Probably better for him to wait until NOW to cure his dropsies.

[Rooster]

Originally Posted by htismaqe

Probably better for him to wait until NOW to cure his dropsies.

LOL.. So very true.

[Fansy the Famous Bard]

Players have Zero loyalty to teams nowadays. I'm not sure I understand a fans' need for having loyalty towards a player, in today's age.

[Micjones]

How valuable does Pioli think Tony Gonzalez is?

[DaneMcCloud]

Originally Posted by Micjones

How valuable does Pioli think Tony Gonzalez is?

No one will know the answer to that question unless he's traded.

[Micjones]

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

No one will know the answer to that question unless he's traded.

Or if he isn't.

[SBK]

For anyone that cares, here in Atlanta sports radio is all over this. They're telling the Falcons to give up that 2nd rounder before the Chiefs change their mind or someone else swoops in an offer more.

They want to do this trade today, so they don't lose out on such a great player for such a low price.

[Micjones]

Originally Posted by SBK

For anyone that cares, here in Atlanta sports radio is all over this. They're telling the Falcons to give up that 2nd rounder before the Chiefs change their mind or someone else swoops in an offer more.

They want to do this trade today, so they don't lose out on such a great player for such a low price.

Trade him. Then draft Chase Coffman at #55 to replace him!


Kidding...
Paul Kruger will do.

[SBK]

Originally Posted by Micjones

Trade him. Then draft Chase Coffman at #55 to replace him!


Kidding...
Paul Kruger will do.

Hearing the people talk about needing to do that trade now made me wonder if he doesn't hold a higher value to teams that are close than we think an old TE has.

If you thought he was the missing piece to your offense to be Super Bowl caliber, maybe you overpay to get him?

To me a 2nd rounder for a 33 year old TE, even for the best one to ever play, seems like too high a price.

[Fairplay]

Originally Posted by SBK

For anyone that cares, here in Atlanta sports radio is all over this. They're telling the Falcons to give up that 2nd rounder before the Chiefs change their mind or someone else swoops in an offer more.

They want to do this trade today, so they don't lose out on such a great player for such a low price.

I think both teams would do good in this deal.

Certainly bring a great offensive weapon for the Falcons. Gonzo just seems to keep going and going like the ever ready battery.

He hinted at being traded a time or two. He has had great years with the Chiefs. And he won't get a ring with the Chiefs organization it appears.

I can't blame him for wanting to move on.

[milkman]

Originally Posted by Fairplay

I think both teams would do good in this deal.

Certainly bring a great offensive weapon for the Falcons. Gonzo just seems to keep going and going like the ever ready battery.

He hinted at being traded a time or two. He has had great years with the Chiefs. And he won't get a ring with the Chiefs organization it appears.

I can't blame him for wanting to move on.

Yeah, he does just keep going and going, but at some point, sooner, rather than later, the demands of his position and age are going to catch up to him.