Clark Hunt Says the Chiefs will Keep Tony Gonzalez; Not Sure on Larry Johnson and Brian Waters
by Chris Thorman on Mar 24, 2009 7:06 AM CDT
in 2009 Offseason
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Adam Teicher of the Kansas City Star nabbed Kansas City Chiefs owner Clark Hunt in between sessions at the NFL's annual owners meeting in California yesterday. Hunt had some interesting things to say about some of the "old", disgruntled Chiefs players.
Chiefs chairman Clark Hunt said Monday during a break at the NFL meetings that the Chiefs had decided to hold on to Gonzalez, their longtime Pro Bowl tight end. Hunt also said decisions regarding Johnson and Waters haven’t been made but added that either or both could return to play for the Chiefs this season.
Clark Hunt says the Chiefs will retain Gonzalez but don't you get the feeling that if a really sweet deal comes along, he's gone? Me too. Who knows? Maybe this is part of a ploy to increase Gonzalez's trade value, making teams think the Chiefs won't part for him without a hefty return.
The decision surrounding the Chiefs' Pro Bowl guard Brian Waters stems from Waters' tempertantrum back in late February, when he allegedly ran to Star reporter Jason Whitlock after being snubbed by GM Scott Pioli. Waters was able to talk with head coach Todd Haley briefly, giving us one of the greatest lines that truly separates the "new" and the "old" Chiefs regime.
22 players off of the street could have won two games last year.
Boom. Sit down Brian Waters. Time to change your diapers. This ain't your old Chiefs team anymore. I don't care about the new staff being too harsh or too inconsiderate. Winning is the bottom line. Not making friends.
Larry Johnson is, of course, still Larry Johnson. He may be motivated to play. He may not be. Even if the new coaching staff feels like they can work with Johnson, it's almost guaranteed he wigs out on the team at some point this year. We'll be waiting for it, expecting it.
The news portion of this story is reassuring- the retention of Tony Gonzalez. It's always nice to be able to tack on 80+ catches and a half dozen touchdowns to your offense. I think TG is too much of a distraction to call him a leader, so I'm not really intererested in what he offers in that area.
The off season marches on.
H/T LTownChiefsFan for the link to the story.
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Oh, these guys.
The most reasonable argument I’ve heard for keeping TG is that he’s more valuable to the Chiefs than to any other team where a Tight End doesn’t play into their scheme as heavily. That makes sense to me, for the most part. Hope he stays.
I’m not convinced the Chiefs are going to get rid of Larry. Don’t get me wrong, I will not be surprised if it happens, but I’m not convinced it’s a sure thing like many sportswriters are. Nor am I certain his best days are behind him. I can still see him being successful (here, or somewhere else) under the right scheme.
Brian, I just don’t know. All we know is was Jason Whitlock told us which hasn’t been expanded upon since the news materialized almost a month ago. And at Haley’s last press conference he said every conversation he’s had with Chiefs players has gone extremely well. What happened to “Brian is unhappy and wants out.”? There hasn’t been a sliver of a story on that since that one JW article.
by jbj8609 on Mar 24, 2009 7:29 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
They're Going To Get Rid Of Johnson
He’s simply too much of a liability. I don’t think they’ll cut him (or maybe that’s what Pioli wants us to think) but I also don’t think they’ll hold another team’s feet to the fire in a trade deal…they’ll move him for whatever they can get that isn’t a complete ripoff.
Predictions for 2009
1. Todd Haley's going to struggle with managing his staff in his rookie year as head coach.
2. The Lions will draft Matt Stafford, the Rams will draft Jason Smith, and the Chiefs will draft either Aaron Curry or Eugene Monroe.
by UCrawford on Mar 24, 2009 7:29 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
"...whatever isn't a complete ripoff."
6th or 7th rounder? That’s about as low as you can get and from media reports that’s the best guess on his value at this point.
Any trade is a good thing IMO.
by Joel Thorman on Mar 24, 2009 8:06 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
6th Rounder Or Lower Would Be A Ripoff
We’d get more in utility from him in a Chiefs uniform than we’d likely get from that pick…even with his tantrums. If the Chiefs are looking to move Waters, then I think that a package deal with him and Johnson would bring more in return. I’m betting that Arizona would have some interest, considering their dire situation at RB. But I suspect that Johnson won’t be going anywhere until after the draft…by this point I think teams probably want to see what they get in the draft first.
Predictions for 2009
1. Todd Haley's going to struggle with managing his staff in his rookie year as head coach.
2. The Lions will draft Matt Stafford, the Rams will draft Jason Smith, and the Chiefs will draft either Aaron Curry or Eugene Monroe.
by UCrawford on Mar 24, 2009 10:55 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
i think in
that picture of Larry he just got done spitting gatoraide on a cheerleader.
by DT58forever on Mar 24, 2009 7:32 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Jerk
You made me snot in my coffee…..still going to drink it though.
I am probably in the minority here, but I was hoping Larry’s apology speech was sincere, that he had finally seen the err of his ways, that he had taken his penchant for tomfoolery and decided to become the back we saw flashes of in 06. I know everyone here thinks he is a huge baby, and maybe he is, but look at it from his side: No one is giving him the benefit of the doubt. No one seems to want him here. How hard would you work if your boss came by every morning and told you that you’re a piece of crap and he hopes you die on the toilet?
I think if someone, ANYONE showed some solidarity or willingness to believe in him, Larry would be able to come back and become the star we were all sure he was going to become a few years ago, like when Hulk Hogan was being summarily defeated by King Kong Bundy, and only the cheering of the crowd could fuel the fires within for him to achieve total victory…
"You can't polish a turd", old guy, Christine
"Let your anger be, like a monkey in a pinata, hiding amongst the candy, hoping the kids don't break through with their sticks!" Master Payne, King Pow
by mugglemage on Mar 24, 2009 9:22 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm in that minority with you
I hope he’s serious…
LJ is a puzzling character. Sometimes, when you listen to him talk about Campbell, Payton, Dickerson, and the other great RB’s in history, you get the impression that he really loves and cares about the game of football.
And then he gets drunk and pours champagne all over the audio equipment.
Marley will be walking soon...she could probably play Linebacker better than some of the guys we had.
by PVChiefsfan on Mar 24, 2009 9:25 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
larry johnson
reminds me of a young ron burgandy . what a train wreck.
FOUR F'S FIND UM FEEL UM FUGUM FORGET UM.
by sexassassin on Mar 24, 2009 10:54 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's strange
That nothing more has come out of the Brian Waters talk. I wonder if he’s cooled down or what. I’m not too worried about him.
by Joel Thorman on Mar 24, 2009 8:07 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I thought that too a few weeks back
That issue was became quiet very quick… maybe he’s having second thoughts?
"I can only imagine what it is going to be like in that town if we are fortunate to build a winner. You win there, you can sense that it would be something really special." - Todd Haley
by Jason Shore on Mar 24, 2009 2:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think brian waters
drank a warm glass of shut the fuck up from pioli when the next day they announced cassel. Its ilke this is the reason why i couldent talk we were working out a deal . I think brian understands that and if he continued to be upset it would only hurt his rep and make him look foolish after the chiefs just pulled off one of the biggest moves in franchise history.
FOUR F'S FIND UM FEEL UM FUGUM FORGET UM.
by sexassassin on Mar 24, 2009 5:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
In order for the trade with LJ to work two things have to happen
1) nothing happens in regards to the charges and he isn’t suspended by the league.
2) there needs to be a contract negotiation with LJ so that whoever picks him up isn’t going to be paying ridiculous money.
Without those things happening, he stays on.
Bill Parcell’s: "You are what your record says you are."
"My job is not to collect talent, but to build a team. Individuals make the Pro Bowl. Teams win championships. That is our goal."—Chiefs GM Scott Pioli.
by THE_TRUTH on Mar 24, 2009 8:16 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Could Be Wrong BUT
Very strong possibility that all three players will be in KC this fall. Why?
TG seems to like what is happening with the Chiefs and Hunt has said no. It is possible that they all could change their mind.
LJ has to big a contract to attract attention. Would the Chiefs get more out of him than a 6th or 7th round pick. Would that be better than having him here?
Brian Waters has not been heard from since Whitlock sounded off. Has he bought in to what the Chiefs are doing?
One sure thing is that none of us know what “Don” Pioli will do.
by Jimgem on Mar 24, 2009 8:38 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Agreed
Nobody will take LJ with that massive contract and poor off-field decisions. Not even Dallas, they likely learned something from the Pacman episode. Maybe the Raiders if they weren’t 10 deep at the RB position already and 0 deep everywhere else (Al Davis is a moron).
We won’t ditch Waters because we will already have a heck of a time rebuilding our line. Without Waters we would have one legit starting O lineman. He stays because we can get maybe two starting linemen in this year’s draft but not 4.
TG stays. Period. He is our best offensive weapon. We don’t have a legit 2nd or especially 3rd WR so we need TG to be a big part of our passing game and take some of the coverage away from our below-average WRs.
by Chiefs4Life on Mar 24, 2009 9:18 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You are going to compare LJ to Pacman? Really? Thats pretty bad.
by Chiefsfan1970 on Mar 24, 2009 9:59 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm not saying LJ is Pacman
Pacman is in a league of his own when it comes to being an idiot. I’m saying teams (like Dallas) are not going to want to take on a huge salary burden if there is a chance that the player will get suspended for off-field troubles. Nobody wants to pay a guy millions of dollars to sit on the sidelines.
by Chiefs4Life on Mar 24, 2009 10:34 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Plus Side Of Johnson's Contract
Is that if we trade him to another team, their risk is actually minimal. They’re not on the hook for any guaranteed money so if he underachieves and they cut him there’s no cap hit for them. And Johnson’s deal is favorably comparable to what free agent running backs get. A trade carries little risk for the team that gets him as long as they don’t overpay.
Someone may very well be willing to take on a problem child with high potential upside like Johnson considering the relatively low risk on their end. It’s just a question of what they’re willing to give in compensation.
Predictions for 2009
1. Todd Haley's going to struggle with managing his staff in his rookie year as head coach.
2. The Lions will draft Matt Stafford, the Rams will draft Jason Smith, and the Chiefs will draft either Aaron Curry or Eugene Monroe.
by UCrawford on Mar 24, 2009 11:00 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Question for you UC
and go with me on this hypothetical journey =)
IF Johnson was truly sincere when he gave his big apology speech, and IF he gets his act together, do you think he can be an effective running back for the Chiefs for a few more years?
Marley will be walking soon...she could probably play Linebacker better than some of the guys we had.
by PVChiefsfan on Mar 24, 2009 11:14 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
And
where the hell have you been?
I was hoping to hear your thoughts on Stafford’s stock rising after his pro day, as well as your thoughts on Everette Brown in a Chiefs uniform
Marley will be walking soon...she could probably play Linebacker better than some of the guys we had.
by PVChiefsfan on Mar 24, 2009 11:16 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Can you honestly see Larry underachieving this year and getting cut
I can’t..
The only reason to get rid of him is if he still refuses to play here..We’re not going to get anyone in a trade even close to his value..I wouldn’t trade him for a 6th round pick..That’s insane..
Larry is still one of the best running backs in the league..The guy almost got a 1000 yards last year being suspended for four games, running behind one of the worst lines in the nfl, and being cut out of the offensive playbook due to the spread…I saw Larry make more long runs last year than I’ve seen him in the past couple of years..
Larry’s easily in the top 6 running backs in the league for probably two more years
by CALIFAN1986 on Mar 24, 2009 12:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
lj has no heart on the field
atleast pacman with all his troubles trys to play hard . I would rather have pacman who plays 4 games a year and will be somewhat productive taking punts and playing d . Than have lj with all his antics injurys to have no heart on the field when he is there. I have never seen a running back that does not fight for yards like lj does i dont understand it . lj needs to stop talking about the greats and start trying to be a great.
FOUR F'S FIND UM FEEL UM FUGUM FORGET UM.
by sexassassin on Mar 24, 2009 11:00 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I partially agree with you.
I think a lot of that has to do with a losing mentality on the team as a whole. If The new Coaches and front office guys are able to establish a winning mindset on this team, I still think LJ could be productive. Losing is hard on players over time, very hard to recover from that. He is not the only one who will benefit from working with guys who are used to winning.
On the other hand, I will not dispute that Larry is a lot easier to tackle than he used to be.
by Chiefsfan1970 on Mar 24, 2009 12:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
lj to me if he was in a good enviroment he would probably
go off if he had an elite line he would flurish the problem is either way you look at it true good running backs just PLAY TO WIN THE GAME reguardless who is blocking .barry sanders had no one in front of him or a full back and he dominated granted he could be the best rb of all time but the reason was he played hard every snap he felt he could make something happen lj gets the rock he is taking a dive at the line of scrimmage looking like he’s taking a qb sneak. even when priest holmes came back he made people miss he tried to make things happen and he did make things happen god bless priest soul he was a hero in my eyes the game he came back against the raiders came in and got to key first downs in oakland to win the game that was guts glory chief football larry doest have the passion to win like priest does or half the running backs in this league so he can bounce he is a cancer and yes like i said i admit he probably will do better somewhere else but at what cost and if things dont go right get the pampers and tissues out cuz the guy is going to pout all the way back to the sidelines
FOUR F'S FIND UM FEEL UM FUGUM FORGET UM.
by sexassassin on Mar 24, 2009 12:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
They are all under contract, and
Larry Johnson’s contract is a fat one. Why dismantle a football team you are trying to build? The coaching staff and management is going to expect them to play, shut their mouths, and contribute to the new team. Until they prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that they can’t do that, they will be Chiefs. If Larry Johnson runs his mouth look for him to have a reserved spot on the bench where he can ride it until his attitude improves or he is shipped out. Waters will get over his little snit. Tony is still a fine ball player and a professional. He will be fine and will contribute greatly to the new offense.
by G.L. on Mar 24, 2009 8:52 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I for one would like to see Waters retire as a Chief.
He has been a great player and contributer to the community. He has always been a class act and one little spat with management should not taint the years of good service to this organization.
by Chiefsfan1970 on Mar 24, 2009 10:08 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I'd Like To See That Too
However, if trading him helps the team over the long-term, then I think it should be considered. Because let’s face it…he’s probably closer to the end of his career than the beginning and if we can get a draft pick for him that could help us net a younger player who could do a good job of replacing him that’s a lot better than having him retire and we get nothing for it.
Predictions for 2009
1. Todd Haley's going to struggle with managing his staff in his rookie year as head coach.
2. The Lions will draft Matt Stafford, the Rams will draft Jason Smith, and the Chiefs will draft either Aaron Curry or Eugene Monroe.
by UCrawford on Mar 24, 2009 10:57 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If we trade Waters
Haley will have moved to one of the top spots on my shitlist
by KansasCityShuffle on Mar 24, 2009 11:26 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Cassel won’t last long under center, can you imagine, as some of you all suggest, that we draft a RT,C,LG(to replace Waters) and possibly a RG and place them along side Brandon Albert………………geez, guys, c’mon!
Don’t we need some veteran leadership on that line somewhere?
by T MO 5 on Mar 24, 2009 11:33 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
You said it...
If Pioli is as good as I think he is, we will not be drafting 3rd, we will have 8 to 9 picks, and he will rebuild us through the draft. O line has to be a concern to him.
by Helmets on Mar 24, 2009 1:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
What has Hailey won?
Boom. Sit down Brian Waters. Time to change your diapers. This ain’t your old Chiefs team anymore. I don’t care about the new staff being too harsh or too inconsiderate. Winning is the bottom line. Not making friends.
I got no problem with a statment like “22 guys off the street could win more than 2 games” if it comes from a proven winner. Hailey isn’t one yet.
Are we still going to think that statment was so great if Hailey lays a giant “Cam Cameron” egg this year?
Until Hailey proves he can win as a head coach, statments like he made are just bluster.
by ChiefDJ on Mar 24, 2009 5:25 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I Agree
It’s one thing if it’s Bill Cowher saying that to Brian Waters. It’s another if it’s some dude who’s been an offensive coordinator for all of two years. There was no reason for him to be a dick about it…Waters has been a pretty solid citizen and he’s the kind of guy a good coach would want on his side.
That said, if Haley wins games then I won’t care that much how he talks to players. But one trend I do see from Arrowhead that worries me is a management team that’s a little too cocky considering how little they’ve actually accomplished in this league. Haley’s a newbie and until he proves otherwise Pioli is just a guy who had the good fortune to work for Bill Belichick for a long time (like a lot of people who didn’t look so good once they stopped working for Belichick). They might eventually be great at their jobs, but right now they haven’t accomplished anything to be this arrogant about.
Predictions for 2009
1. Todd Haley's going to struggle with managing his staff in his rookie year as head coach.
2. The Lions will draft Matt Stafford, the Rams will draft Jason Smith, and the Chiefs will draft either Aaron Curry or Eugene Monroe.
by UCrawford on Mar 24, 2009 7:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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