Former Chiefs RB Larry Johnson Goes Unclaimed on Waivers

by Joel Thorman on Nov 10, 2009 4:04 PM CST in 2009 Kansas City Chiefs Campaign

Despite up to four teams not ruling him out of their plans, former Kansas City Chiefs RB Larry Johnson has gone unclaimed in the waiver wire process according to multiple reports.

Few important notes now that he's gone unclaimed:

He is a free agent and available to sign with any team
The Chiefs are responsible for the remainder of his $2+ million salary this season

This is what we expected to happen. His salary was too high for any team to take a chance on him. I would imagine he wants to go to a contender at this point. However, you gotta wonder if a non-contender will make him a contract offer higher than the veteran minimum. We'll see how it works out.

Here are a few of the teams we've heard thrown around in this whole debate:

Steelers: Well-documented that he was a Steelers fan growing up and even wanted Pittsburgh to draft him coming out of Penn State in 2003. His father also coaches a couple hundred miles away at Penn State.

Patriots: Bill Belichick said his team would talk about LJ this afternoon. Can't ever count the Pats out.

Texans: Gary Kubiak said they'll take a look at him, like they do all available players.

Ultimately though we're all guessing at this point.

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Comments

well crap

by Kristospherein on Nov 10, 2009 4:06 PM CST reply actions

Not surprising

But it is disappointing

by Boots 58 on Nov 10, 2009 4:07 PM CST reply actions

I still think the Skins will pick him up

by Kristospherein on Nov 10, 2009 4:07 PM CST reply actions

Agreed

I think he’ll be with the Redskins. Snyder probably wants him because he’s a name…and he doesn’t really know how to differentiate a good player from a washed-up player. Plus, with Portis out it’s the best opportunity for him to start quickly.

Moderator - Arrowhead Pride
Predictions for 2009

Fire Haley now.

by UCrawford on Nov 10, 2009 4:17 PM CST up reply actions

And No

I don’t think he’ll be any good if he goes to Washington. Their line sucks too…especially with Chris Samuels out.

Moderator - Arrowhead Pride
Predictions for 2009

Fire Haley now.

by UCrawford on Nov 10, 2009 4:18 PM CST up reply actions

didn't think he'd be any good...but I think they're desperate enough to spend the most on him

by Kristospherein on Nov 10, 2009 4:23 PM CST up reply actions

Agreed

Houston might be a better offense, but their o-line is terrible at run-blocking this year so he’d be no better off. Plus, they require a RB who’s active in the passing game and that’s not 2.7.

Moderator - Arrowhead Pride
Predictions for 2009

Fire Haley now.

by UCrawford on Nov 10, 2009 4:30 PM CST up reply actions

Maybe...

the Eagles. After that patetic attempt to get 1 yard three times last Sunday, they might want a power back.

by I_Bleed_Red. on Nov 10, 2009 4:10 PM CST reply actions

I thought McNabb had it on 4th down

but otherwise McCoy seems to be a capable back. If you don’t count short yardage I guess

by Boots 58 on Nov 10, 2009 4:13 PM CST up reply actions

Are the Chiefs still on the hook if LJ signs with another team?

No question. Otis Taylor should be in the Hall of Fame.

by hmills110 on Nov 10, 2009 4:11 PM CST reply actions

they ARE on the hook

for the FULL salary

* "I doubt anyone will miss Connor Barth except UCrawford"
* the LB corps may become the biggest strength of the Chiefs in 2009
* The OL is NOT as bad as you think it is... give it time, and you'll see improvement this season

by stagdsp on Nov 10, 2009 4:14 PM CST up reply actions

Nope

They’re responsible for everything now that he has cleared. LJ will get paid from the Chiefs no matter what – he can sign with another team and “double dip”

Arrowhead Pride

by Joel Thorman on Nov 10, 2009 4:13 PM CST up reply actions

Like TO

Isn’t he getting paid by Dallas and Buffalo?

Johnnie Morton: The Man. The Myth. The Legend.

by craig in calgary on Nov 10, 2009 4:19 PM CST up reply actions

Dang, I need that job

And the new team still has to pay him the vet’s min? Or can they pay him whatever since he’s already getting paid by the Chiefs?

by jboot1 on Nov 10, 2009 4:22 PM CST up reply actions

yep

by Kristospherein on Nov 10, 2009 4:12 PM CST reply actions

Who cares

It is Clark’s money, it doesnt impact our salary cap. While I am upset that LJ can now cherry pick his next stop, at least it should be humbling to him that everyone passed on his act.

by KC CZAR on Nov 10, 2009 4:13 PM CST reply actions

one would think, Czar ... but then, humble doesn't seem to be part of his vocabulary

Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisiton!

by upamtn on Nov 10, 2009 4:15 PM CST up reply actions

nah

he wanted to pass through so he gets the chiefs money, AND new money from the new team. f$#ker.

by be cee on Nov 10, 2009 4:28 PM CST up reply actions

lol

i think its funny it shows all u people who thought he was so great that no onw wanted to pay him, chris chambers had waver value by several teams lj lol not 1, i didnt think he could get claimed by less teams than ypc

by 67401erk on Nov 10, 2009 4:15 PM CST reply actions

Who is that "all u people" you speak of?

by JacinB on Nov 10, 2009 4:17 PM CST up reply actions

2.7

by Kristospherein on Nov 10, 2009 4:24 PM CST up reply actions

and his fans

by Kristospherein on Nov 10, 2009 4:24 PM CST up reply actions

lol!

what do you mean, “you people?”

by be cee on Nov 10, 2009 4:24 PM CST up reply actions

what do you mean....

“u people?”

by TDubb on Nov 10, 2009 4:24 PM CST up reply actions

...tropic thunder?

by Boots 58 on Nov 10, 2009 4:25 PM CST up reply actions

u got it

classic line..

by be cee on Nov 10, 2009 4:26 PM CST up reply actions

What Do YOU Mean "You People"?

Love that movie. :)

Moderator - Arrowhead Pride
Predictions for 2009

Fire Haley now.

by UCrawford on Nov 10, 2009 4:31 PM CST up reply actions

What?

At least post something not resembling brain diahhrea when trying to insult a group of fans.

Before you judge a man, walk a mile in his shoes; after that, who cares?! He's a mile away and you've got his shoes!

by SuperTurtle on Nov 10, 2009 4:38 PM CST via mobile up reply actions

67401, I'm glad that "u" think it's funny ... but is it possible from now on that if you post "u" could actually spell out words?

I realize it’s asking a lot of “u” to do that, but “we people” prefer to read actual, well “u” know, words … mind “u” now, “we people” don’t care if “u” tweet in shorthand, and apparant;y that’s all “u” can do … it’s ok, really and truly it is … because “we people” know all about “u” tweeters

oh, and if possible, if “u” must post again, try and make it something thoughtful and intelligent, if it’s possible for “u” to do that

“u” have a great day!

Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisiton!

by upamtn on Nov 10, 2009 5:06 PM CST up reply actions

"u"pamtn had a great point

Before you judge a man, walk a mile in his shoes; after that, who cares?! He's a mile away and you've got his shoes!

by SuperTurtle on Nov 10, 2009 7:22 PM CST up reply actions

As long as you can parse his meaning, he's free to whatever.

I’m grateful for those who’re more readable, but hell, with the all the contractions I mightn’t’ve used, I can hardly bitch about anybody else.

No question. Otis Taylor should be in the Hall of Fame.

by hmills110 on Nov 10, 2009 10:41 PM CST up reply actions

NFL News Link

http://blogs.nfl.com/2009/11/10/johnson-clears-waivers-becomes-free-agent/

by Boots 58 on Nov 10, 2009 4:19 PM CST reply actions

seriously considering taking your bet UC.

still undecided, but what the neck, its all in fun, right?

and yes…great movie.

by be cee on Nov 10, 2009 4:32 PM CST reply actions

Yup

It’s all in good fun. And it’s a heck of a lot more entertaining than sitting around all week bitching about how much this team sucks (and no matter which side of the argument we fall on, I think we can all agree that the Chiefs suck this year).

Moderator - Arrowhead Pride
Predictions for 2009

Fire Haley now.

by UCrawford on Nov 10, 2009 4:35 PM CST up reply actions

Or, More Precisely

Their play sucks.

Still love the Chiefs despite the warts.

Moderator - Arrowhead Pride
Predictions for 2009

Fire Haley now.

by UCrawford on Nov 10, 2009 4:36 PM CST up reply actions

*heck

by be cee on Nov 10, 2009 4:33 PM CST reply actions

always

and yes, its an interesting bet. especially considering how many we have won out there in a row vs. the fact that so many of out contests with those savages wind up within 7 points. ;-)

by be cee on Nov 10, 2009 4:39 PM CST reply actions