Belichick Thinks LJ Will Be Claimed Off Waivers

by Joel Thorman on Nov 9, 2009 5:58 PM CST in 2009 Campaign Comment 19 comments

New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick listens to linebacker Tedy Bruschi, not pictured, as he announces his retirement from professional football during a news conference at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass., Monday, Aug. 31, 2009. (AP Photo/Stew Milne)

5 months ago: New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick listens to linebacker Tedy Bruschi, not pictured, as he announces his retirement from professional football during a news conference at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass., Monday, Aug. 31, 2009. (AP Photo/Stew Milne)

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Strike New England off the list for Larry Johnson. At least that's what Patriots head coach Bill Belichick tells WEEI radio in Boston.

But that's only because he thinks another team with a higher priority would claim him off the waiver wire.

Interesting quotes from Belichick after the jump.

Via WEEI in Boston:

"Well, I haven’t seen the wire but I assume he’ll be on there. I would doubt [the Patriots would acquire Johnson]," Belichick said on the Big Show. "First of all, I think a player like that that’s on the wire, similar to [wide receiver] Chris Chambers who came on last week, somebody will get ahead of us. Even if we claim him, I doubt that we would get him."

Wow. From what I can gather, the majority of the media feels he will go unclaimed but Belichick's words are interesting. If claimed, the new team would take LJ's contract, which would be very pleasing to the Chiefs.

I thought New England would be a possible landing spot for LJ because he would/could sign with the team after going unclaimed. He could be on a winning team with playing time, while the Patriots could strike a cheaper deal for him.

The Boston Globe mentions in another report that the Pats worked out two running backs last week because of some injuries to the position. This is why they were pointed to as a team that would take LJ.

They've also demonstrated an ability to take a potentially toxic player, like Randy Moss, and return him to Pro Bowl form. Exchange Moss with LJ, and you get the picture.

That makes one team (NE) saying probably not and two teams (WAS and HOU) saying they might talk about it....and one head coach who thinks he'll be claimed off waivers.

Whether it's New England or not, interesting stuff coming from Belichick on this.

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Comments

Wow, the Hoodie has spoken

now someone will make him a prophet

by His Royal Greatness on Nov 9, 2009 5:59 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

never believe hoodie..

hoddie said it.. it means they will never pick him up.. he like to bluff.

by luckypurohit on Nov 9, 2009 6:35 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Maybe he hasn't looked at his contract...

I would assume he has but that’s the only thing I can think of to explain the words coming out of his mouth.

by Lucasjr5 on Nov 9, 2009 6:01 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Yeah but we picked up Chambers off waivers....

and he’s due about the same for the rest of the year as Larry is….so it wouldn’t be that shocking for someone to claim him.

Don't Fuccop Succop

by chicks_love_chiefs on Nov 9, 2009 6:07 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

The Chambers pick up is a great example.....

of how Pioli is gonna build us a dynasty. Upgrade here, upgrade there. It might be slow as hell, but there is a method to the madness. Now if we could grab an O-lineman before the draft……

by Hail2DaChiefs on Nov 9, 2009 6:11 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

yeah, I like chambers and wade and long and o'callaghan

there have been some good moves since the season started…

I think they also have improved the team by subtraction… namely LJ, Sackintosh… and YES, Pollard… maybe not a short term improvement, but attitude-wise, and long term…

probably the right moves

* "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 9, 2009 6:13 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Perhaps Pollard isn't part of the right 53...

But cutting him didn’t improve the team…this year at least. I agree it was probably the right move…but it doesn’t help us this year.

Don't Fuccop Succop

by chicks_love_chiefs on Nov 9, 2009 6:29 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

not in terms of talent...

this year…

but, maybe in terms of the locker room, getting everyone to “buy in”, etc?

by stagdsp on Nov 9, 2009 6:36 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

exactly

Don't Fuccop Succop

by chicks_love_chiefs on Nov 9, 2009 6:41 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Even though it won't happen

can I hope that Detroit grabs him . Yes its a pipedream.

by stram#1 on Nov 9, 2009 6:14 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

nope

their runners are better than LJ

Air Cassel - approved for takeoff

by kabrink on Nov 9, 2009 6:31 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

A man can always hope

Cleveland perhaps? Tell me that game in December at Arrowhead wouldn’t sellout…

by stram#1 on Nov 9, 2009 7:20 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Maybe a favor to Pioli :)

In poker called a Bluff

We Will kick at least 4 Teams Asses in 09
And Succop will be the Key in two of them.
" Think and talk positive football off the field." Hank Stram

by Steve_Chiefs on Nov 9, 2009 6:08 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Exactly what I was thinking. If he’s claimed, Chiefs are off the hook.

by Chief-Eli on Nov 9, 2009 6:22 PM CST via mobile up reply actions 0 recs

kinda explains the tweet too

going to NE for a workout that was up earlier

We Will kick at least 4 Teams Asses in 09
And Succop will be the Key in two of them.
" Think and talk positive football off the field." Hank Stram

by Steve_Chiefs on Nov 9, 2009 6:33 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Exactly.

He’s helping Pioli by putting it out there that the Patsies are thinking of putting a claim in and, even if they didn’t someone else would.

That makes it so that those guys who are thinking they might get him if they wait will be thinking that they’ll have to take their shot on the waiver wire instead, which takes the money that KC would have to pay him off of the table.

Thanks, Bill. I’m not normally a fan of yours, but I appreciate you doing Pioli a solid.

by JacinB on Nov 10, 2009 10:04 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs