Tony Gonzalez To The Giants Rumors Gaining Steam

by primetime 07 on Oct 11, 2008 9:38 AM CDT in Campaign 2008

I'm sure everyone has heard the rumors swirling recently regarding potentially sending Tony Gonzalez to the New York Giants. Remember, at this point they're just rumors. Nothing has been confirmed so anything you see here will be clearly labeled as a rumor or a confirmed story.

Let's take a look at a few different sources of the rumors.

Jay Glazer:

Why would a team trade a man many consider the greatest tight end of all time? The Chiefs are rebuilding and by the time they turn around their fortunes, Gonzalez's time in this league could be over. Why let his career end on a rebuilding team? He and team President Carl Peterson are extremely close. If they can find a trade that would work for all parties, it would actually be quite honorable for a team executive to not hold a player hostage in his final years on a rebuilding team. Get something for him to assist with the rebuilding process. He'll forever be loved in KC regardless.

Pro Football Talk on KSHB rumors:

Though we haven’t confirmed that KSHB is reporting this information, we’ve learned separately that, indeed, an effort is afoot to move Gonzalez out of Kansas City.

I haven't found anything from KSHB about their report.

Check out this google search to see how quickly these rumors gain steam.

So, what's the validity of all these stories? I would imagine there's some there. We've heard in separate rumors from local talk show radio hosts that Tony allegedly requested a trade before the Broncos game. I've heard that the trade request didn't happen until this week. The trade deadline is week 6 so if a deal is going to get done then it will happen soon.

Historically Carl Peterson has dragged these things out but with a quick deadline approaching, something has gotta give. Considering we are in a full rebuilding mode, it would be silly for him to turn down a deal that could help this team in the future.

Let's hear what everyone thinks about this. To gain some perspective on compensation let's keep in mind that Jeremy Shockey, who is 28 years old, was traded over the offseason for a 2nd and 5th round pick. So, the story goes that the Giants could drop their 2nd and 5th round picks they received from the Saints for a minimum 1 1/2 year rental for Gonzalez.

Also, I found this quote from Tony about a month ago regarding the rebuilding effort.

“There’s nothing we can do about it. I think coach has made that decision, you know as far as getting rid of the older guys on the team, to go younger, and that’s fine with me. I think with the guys he brought in here, I’m definitely happy with it. At first I was frustrated – I was a little pissed off to tell the truth – because I’m winding down in my career and I’m thinking ‘this is not what I signed on for last year when I redid my deal’ after seeing the guys that they brought in and after the draft, it’s making a lot more sense. We’re a pretty good football team. There’s no doubt about it.”

There's definitely a hint of anxiousness in him. I know he wants to win. I'm not going to say we owe it to him to trade him to a contender, but I am going to say that we owe it to the team to do whatever it takes to make this team better and a trade with draft picks in return might accomplish that.

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I have heard it

Three different places NBC 41, Fox sports Jay Glazer, and 610 sports KC. I just wonder if TG has the idea that he is not in a good spot as far as the team developing? I also wonder if he has no faith that the HC is not competent enough to handle this rebuild?

by Eric Allen on Oct 11, 2008 10:12 AM CDT 0 recs

Tony G

I don’t know how much stock to put in the rumors. Jay Glazers piece was not reporting any insider knowledge, but rather a theoretical piece about why it makes sense for Tony to want to leave and the Chiefs to want to trade him.

People read something like that and begin assuming there must be something going on and begin reporting it as fact. One of the perils of the internet unfortunately.

If Tony wants to go and the team can get fair compensation for him, it will be an unfortunate situation for everyone, but its the way it is. But I don’t believe it just because there are rumors going on everywhere feeding off one another.

by ChiefDJ on Oct 11, 2008 10:15 AM CDT 0 recs

I can tell you

that from everything I’ve heard, this is legit. And that’s not just what’s been published.

Mizzou: Not desperately hanging on to a bygone winning tradition since 1900.

by Ridiculous Matt on Oct 11, 2008 11:27 AM CDT 0 recs

What are you hearing Matt

All of it. Just curious if my hunch is correct.

by Eric Allen on Oct 11, 2008 11:44 AM CDT up 0 recs

You can guess

Mizzou: Not desperately hanging on to a bygone winning tradition since 1900.

by Ridiculous Matt on Oct 11, 2008 11:44 AM CDT up 0 recs

So my hunch is correct?

by Eric Allen on Oct 11, 2008 11:48 AM CDT up 0 recs

yes.

but I also made some other inquiries and everything I hear is coming up yes. It’s entirely possible that they’re all wrong, and it’s even more possible that peterson drags his heels. But from what I hear…

Mizzou: Not desperately hanging on to a bygone winning tradition since 1900.

by Ridiculous Matt on Oct 11, 2008 11:54 AM CDT up 0 recs

So is TG good as gone?

by Eric Allen on Oct 11, 2008 11:55 AM CDT up 0 recs

No.

These things are always talked about. But Glazer being on it is not a good sign for it being false. He’s not Mort.

Mizzou: Not desperately hanging on to a bygone winning tradition since 1900.

by Ridiculous Matt on Oct 11, 2008 12:02 PM CDT up 0 recs

I'd say he's worth more

We don’t play the Giants this season, so we wouldn’t have to sit through the uncomfortable feelings of playing against TG (and cheering for our guys hitting him). He’d go to a contender, which he deserves; he’s the best ever but he needs a ring. But we should get more than a 2nd and a 5th for him, he’s better than Shockey. I doubt we’d get a 1st, though if the Giants repeat as champs it would be the last selection in the 1st and might be possible. So, we take the Saint’s original 2nd rounder and the Giant’s 3rd (though I don’t think both 2nd rounders are out of the question). This still leaves the Giants with 2 first day (though the 3rd round has been moved to day 2, I still consider it 1st day) draft selections and the world’s greatest tight end and we get two new 1st day selections to help the rebuilding. Win-win.

by Chiefs4Life on Oct 11, 2008 11:38 AM CDT 0 recs

There are lots of great players that never got Super Bowl rings...

Tony G should stay here forever.

by Vince D on Oct 11, 2008 11:42 AM CDT 0 recs

But he'll always be considered less than Sharpe

Sharpe will hold that over him forever. One ring makes him the greatest tight end of all time to people outside of KC. We already know.

Mizzou: Not desperately hanging on to a bygone winning tradition since 1900.

by Ridiculous Matt on Oct 11, 2008 11:47 AM CDT up 0 recs

And have yet to get the HOF they deserve

Ask the Derrick Thomas family. Tony is a Chief for life, going to a contender for acouple of years doesn’t mean he will become the face of that team. (see Joe Montana)

I say let the man have his Glory, he of all people has earned the chance.

"But what do I know, I’m like an empty room with a large ECHO"

by Lanier63 on Oct 11, 2008 3:08 PM CDT up 0 recs

I don't like it

Personally, it really doesn’t matter to me what is offered, I wouldn’t like it. I’m a believer in loyalty and the intangibles of his presense, his abilities to draw attention from the other receivers, his leadership, his example to the younger players, etc. TG is and will be an icon to the Chiefs. He is the brightest star and the player we can look at with pride.

To send him away just to give him a “chance” to earn a ring, seems like the ultimate in senselessness. His value is to us now in more ways than just being a TE. I will be disgusted with the front office if he becomes just trade bait.

This reminds me of the addage – A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. Draft picks don’t (usually) become valuable to the team for 2 years, and then you don’t really know if the players gained will end up busts, backups, or Pro Bowlers. With TG, we have the best of everything and he is under contract.

Please, don’t trade him.

by TXChiefan on Oct 11, 2008 11:49 AM CDT 0 recs

This really isn't about us.

It’s about him. It’s about rewarding him for the outstanding years he’s given us. It’s not like he’s always been a problem. He resigned with us when he could have been a huge problem. He deserves better.

Mizzou: Not desperately hanging on to a bygone winning tradition since 1900.

by Ridiculous Matt on Oct 11, 2008 11:50 AM CDT up 0 recs

Maybe it's really about the team

after all

by AngryJesus on Oct 11, 2008 12:23 PM CDT up 0 recs

But

If he really was more worried about the ring, couldn’t he have signed somewhere else anyway?

This is the thing that is weird. Everyone wants to make a martyr out of the guy, but he had a chance to leave and decided to stay. He’s here by choice. Maybe he is changing his mind, but maybe not.

by ChiefDJ on Oct 11, 2008 12:51 PM CDT up 0 recs

He was a lot younger.

And we at least had a shot at a ring in 2003. But with the rebuilding effort taking even longer than anyone anticipated, and I think Herm would agree with that, Tony doesn’t want to be around for another three years of not being competitive. He wants to compete. He’s done the rebuilding stuff.

That said, these deals are very difficult to manage, so I don’t know if it’ll happen. But if Tony has changed his mind, he’s earned the right to.

Mizzou: Not desperately hanging on to a bygone winning tradition since 1900.

by Ridiculous Matt on Oct 11, 2008 1:55 PM CDT up 0 recs

He signed his last contract in 2007

So not two years ago yet, not very long ago at all.

That being said, I totally understand if he is having a change of heart. This team has lots of holes and its going to take time to fill them and get back to a competitive level.

But at the same time, just because a lot of people who are not Tony Gonzalez think that he should ditch the Chiefs to pursue his personal goals does not mean that is what Tony G himself thinks.

by ChiefDJ on Oct 11, 2008 4:20 PM CDT up 0 recs

LOYALTY....

I think Tony was still hoping to bring a Lombardi to KC, and he was fooled into believing that there was still a window of opportunity to make it to the big show. I think after these past 5 games he know alot better now than before, that its gonna be a long way to get to the championship game.

Man is a class act. Deserves better than what HErm and Carls been putting him through.

by aPacificChief on Oct 11, 2008 3:24 PM CDT up 0 recs

And here

Someone who thinks Tony G is a complete rube.

Poor Tony Gonzalez was FOOLED by the evil Chiefs front office and coaches into believing he had a chance! Even though he’s been in professional football for a decade, he can’t even see whats going on on his own team.

How gullible do you think he is? That is downright disrespectful.

by ChiefDJ on Oct 11, 2008 4:23 PM CDT up 0 recs

Now you are really stretching it.

Herm will not adjust, will not do what it takes for them to get better, you know put in better lineman if they are available. He won’t everything has to be Herms way, offense, defense does not matter will not budge. I for one cannot wait till he is gone.

by Eric Allen on Oct 11, 2008 5:47 PM CDT up 0 recs

Loyalty is a word that has no meaning anymore...

that people forget what it actually stands for. Its a trait that is not often recognized anymore, because in our society today people are constantly only looking out for themselves.

What does go on into the psyche of a player when a team trades up to acquire your services? I remember when LJ said that he was impressed when Peterson went to visit one of his workouts at Penn St. That Carl was the only GM present at his workout, and how he appreciated that special attention when others just brushed him off by sending only a scout.

Or how about the fact that you have had many productive years in one place, setting all kind of records while you were there. Almost guaranteeing your place into the Hall of Fame, we already know how some players become so superstitious that it starts to manifest itself into almost a religion for some. That even a number on a jersey can have an effect on a players production. Then how about a change of address?

When considering all of these things that may go through a players mind, wouldn’t it be just easier to convince yourself that the team we have is actually good enough to compete. No player would go into the season thinking (after all their hard work in the off season) that I think our team is still not good enough to compete for a Super Bowl. Most would go into the season thinking (unrealistically at some point) that we could be the next Pittsburgh Steelers (w/ a young Ben out of College) who came in as a wild card team and ended up being the Super Bowl Champions (all on the road), or even the NY Giants who wasn’t even predicted by some to even make the playoffs much less win the Super Bowl (over the undefeated Patriots).

But then reality sets in during their first 5 games that we do actually stink, and all hope goes up along with that stink.

How gullible do you think he is? That is downright disrespectful.

I don’t think he’s at all gullible, he did actually go to Cal St. Berkeley, so he is quite bright. But I’m sure in hell that a HOF, competitive player as he is would resign thinking that I’m in it for the just the money, or the recognition. Without being giving a legitimate opportunity to compete at the biggest stage of his professional career.

So the question then is how stupid do you think he is to actually resign with the team if you knew for sure how bad the team was? Because I don’t think its disrespectful to think that he could of been fooled by the complete and utter mismanagement of this franchise by the people upstairs. Also its not being gullible, but foolish optimism that made him resign with the club.

by aPacificChief on Oct 12, 2008 8:04 AM CDT up 0 recs

Good thoughts.

by Eric Allen on Oct 12, 2008 8:35 AM CDT up 0 recs

Hey, John from Big Cat Country here

My 2 cents on all of this
The biggest stumbling block will be what exactly the Chiefs want in exchange. If they actually think they’ll get a 2nd round pick for him then your front office is insane. The Giants won’t give that for a player who could play just 10 games for them. IMO trade him for a low round pick in this year’s draft and a conditional one in the 2010 draft that could then maybe get you a 2nd rounder if he has a great year for the G-men.

"I smoke. If this bothers anyone, I suggest you look around at the world in which we live and shut your f***in' mouth."-Bill Hicks

by FSBlueApocalypse on Oct 11, 2008 12:25 PM CDT 0 recs

Bleh didn't mean to hit post

The Niners traded Joe Montana, Johnny U finished his career as a Charger, things like this happen. A trade works out for everyone. It gets an all-time great one last shot at a ring and helps KC rebuild.

"I smoke. If this bothers anyone, I suggest you look around at the world in which we live and shut your f***in' mouth."-Bill Hicks

by FSBlueApocalypse on Oct 11, 2008 12:29 PM CDT up 0 recs

I don't think a 2nd rounder is insane

He’s been more productive than Shockey in all aspects of the game and by all accounts has at least 3 years left. He’s another threat for their QB (and their biggest investment) and the Giants know they won’t be contenders forever.

by primetime 07 on Oct 11, 2008 3:05 PM CDT up 0 recs

Not worth a second rounder?

To even mention that would make me question your sanity. Check his stats the last 3 years.

"But what do I know, I’m like an empty room with a large ECHO"

by Lanier63 on Oct 11, 2008 3:11 PM CDT up 0 recs

No

I’m saying I think he is worth a 2nd rounder.

by primetime 07 on Oct 11, 2008 3:24 PM CDT up 0 recs

Sorry

I meant to reply above your post to FSBLue

"But what do I know, I’m like an empty room with a large ECHO"

by Lanier63 on Oct 11, 2008 3:29 PM CDT up 0 recs

Draft picks are like gold. Say the Giants use that 2nd round pick on a TE that could play for them for 10 years, or trade it to the Chiefs for a guy who will play for them for perhaps all of 10 games.If I were the Giants GM I would offer a conditional pick in the next two drafts, with the one in this years draft coming between rounds 4-6 depending on how well he does. Then if he comes back for another year, then another conditional pick between rounds 2-4 depending on how well he’s helped the team.

"I smoke. If this bothers anyone, I suggest you look around at the world in which we live and shut your f***in' mouth."-Bill Hicks

by FSBlueApocalypse on Oct 11, 2008 3:27 PM CDT up 0 recs

And we should take your opinions serious

because you are a Jag fan? Maybe I should go to your site before the Draft and tell you guys to draft the next Tony Mandarich or Art Schlichter?

"But what do I know, I’m like an empty room with a large ECHO"

by Lanier63 on Oct 11, 2008 3:33 PM CDT up 0 recs

That’s not what I was saying. I’m saying Gonzalez is in his 12th year, and sure he says now he wants to play 3 more years, but what happens if he gets traded to the Giants, they lose to the Cowboys in the NFC Title game and he decides he isn’t into it enough anymore? Then the Giants have no TE and no extra draft picks. I’m never in favor of mortgaging the future in favor of the now. And yes, I didn’t agree with what the Jags did in the draft this year.

"I smoke. If this bothers anyone, I suggest you look around at the world in which we live and shut your f***in' mouth."-Bill Hicks

by FSBlueApocalypse on Oct 11, 2008 4:05 PM CDT up 0 recs

There are always chances in Professional sports

ask the Colts organization when they drafted John Elway. If your scenario played out, then something could be done (clauses) in the trade now if that happened. However, it doesn’t take away from his value today.

"But what do I know, I’m like an empty room with a large ECHO"

by Lanier63 on Oct 11, 2008 4:44 PM CDT up 0 recs

Window of opportunity

The Giants won’t be contenders forever – TG can help them now for the next 3-4 years.

It makes sense for them.

by primetime 07 on Oct 11, 2008 3:38 PM CDT up 0 recs

Just seen it scroll

along the bottom of espn 2, Micheal Smith is on it.

by Eric Allen on Oct 11, 2008 12:37 PM CDT 0 recs

well

tony g may not be worth a 1st….just based on physical attributes b/c hes gotten a little older but you put him in a place where he isnt the main focus of the offense you’ll see his production….i think we should get a 2nd and a 4th

i think if Tony wasnt a chief and had a team with a capable offense he would have shattered the the records even more than he has now(minus the vermiel era) NY would be perfect for Tony how do you game plan for plaxico,tony,toomer, and two good backs, and a qb that can throw and an line that can block oh yea and a defense. I think he puts them in a much better position to contend again this year. Dont get me wrong I love Tony and would hate to see him go, but if he wanted to have a chance to play with a team that can win, I dont blame him he came here had great years and did alot for us , I say whatever makes him happy. he would always be loved no matter what

by DT58forever on Oct 11, 2008 12:46 PM CDT 0 recs

ARE U F****** KIDDING ME

You don’t trade your best player… I plead to Clark Hunt to remove Peterson from the CHIEFS Organization if this move takes place…. Trade Jared and now TONY ?? Another FAN FAVORITE.. WHAT THE H3LL is wrong with you…? Are you trying to ruin THE CHIEFS before your contract is up ? We need to stop this abomination!

by Iconhulk on Oct 11, 2008 1:47 PM CDT 0 recs

Keep Tony

For two more years on a team that’s going nowhere.

Or received a 2nd or 3rd rounder and spend it on a player that could be with us for a decade.

The NFL is a business – even with Tony G.

by primetime 07 on Oct 11, 2008 3:08 PM CDT up 0 recs

and without

"But what do I know, I’m like an empty room with a large ECHO"

by Lanier63 on Oct 11, 2008 3:12 PM CDT up 0 recs

It's not a bad deal...

For the right price. Not to mention he has been so good to us for so many years, don’t ruin his opportunity of being the best TE of all time. He’s not going to win a ring with us any time soon so let him when one elsewhere.

I love Tony G. but I love the Chiefs more.

by Dono on Oct 11, 2008 3:16 PM CDT 0 recs

too sweet

if tony g goes to the Giants watch out! He still is top 4 TE in the league. Not that the Giants need much help they have been playing late. Have free NFL picks for this week at http://www.CTSportsPicks.com

by ctsportspicks on Oct 11, 2008 4:29 PM CDT 0 recs

Tony G

Fans, fans, fans…………..get over the ‘loyalty to the Chiefs" schtick. Tony G has been the most loyal of stars for over a decade………..and now its time for King Karl to reciprocate (and I’m not talking about shelling out the Hunt family money in a paycheck). But the true loyalty is to the team and that means making the team stronger. This is another case of addition by subtraction.

The Chiefs will be lucky to win another game this year, the O-line is still 2 or more players away from being truly competitive. The QB situation is ….well its not good to say the least. Defensively we can’t stop the run and the DB situation is still in doubt. We’ve lost 12 or our last 13. We’ve got many young and talented players but we’ve still got too many holes . Its irrelevant whether we win 1 game or 3-4 this year. By the time these issues get resolved Tony Gs days will be either done or in serious decline.To say that he has 3 more years is to suppose an awful lot. Right now though TG is still a premier TE and still worth a valuable draft pick or two. A year from now that value will be less just based on years in the league, not to mention the possibility of injury.

New York Giants or Pittsburgh Steelers make the most sense to me. (Steelers are a talented team capable of making a run but who have had several key players go down with injury. The need a play maker to compensate with) (Giants … the strong just look to get stronger) (Carolina is a third possibility to give them another real weapon)

OBTW……………..We should also look to trade Larry Johnson for all of the non-sentimental reasons. He is very, very good but he is six? years in the league now. RBs window is one of the shortest. By the time KC is good he won’t be.

Final thoughts……if I’m a betting man I’d lay money down that Brodie Croyale doesn’t make it to half time against the Titans without getting injured again. Karl and Herm bet the farm on a guy who had a proven track record of being fragile in both HS and college. Why they thought that would be different in the NFL is beyond me. I suppose they were blinded by the possibilities based on arm strength. Too bad.

by bckestchief on Oct 11, 2008 8:23 PM CDT 0 recs

Can't trade LJ

The accelerated cap hit would be devastating.

by primetime 07 on Oct 11, 2008 8:35 PM CDT up 0 recs

I think the deal gets done.

It will be sad, but nothing lasts forever. Good luck TG! I hope he gets his ring.

by TheQ on Oct 11, 2008 9:44 PM CDT 0 recs

Any thoughts of getting a 2nd rounder I think

Are a pipe dream. If he gets moved, it will be for a 3rd rounder. And we’ll be lucky to get that. He’s productive, but no longer in his prime. He’s near the end of the line. Take a look at history for such players and you’ll see usually that doesn’t net a very high pick (the immortal Brett Favre for example was dealt for a conditional 4th rounder)

Relive Royals History at royalsretro.blogspot.com

by RoyalsRetro on Oct 11, 2008 9:53 PM CDT 0 recs