Waiting for Larry Johnson

by Chris Thorman on Aug 20, 2007 7:44 AM CDT in 2007 Preseason Comment 12 comments

**UPDATE Tuesday PM** Larry Johnson has ended his holdout.

**UPDATE** Multiple forums and sites are reporting that 610 AM sports radio has reported that Larry Johnson is in Kansas City. Chime in if you heard it. He had previously been working out in Arizona. Cross your fingers...

From The Star one week ago:

Johnson could be very much a central figure at practice this weekend when the Chiefs resume their workouts in Kansas City.

Don't forget this line either:

One source said the sides were so optimistic about a forthcoming agreement that Johnson might be at Arrowhead Stadium for Thursday night's exhibition game against Miami.

Imminent. Imminent. Imminent. Say that word three times fast and it starts to lose all meaning. I still believe that Larry Johnson will be playing by the time the regular season begins. He's too much of a competitor to let precious games and stats fall to the wayside.

Also, it turns out we don't need anonymous sources to tell us when LJ is coming back. We just have to listen to Carl Peterson. From that same article last Monday:

"I’m cautiously optimistic a deal will get concluded, but exactly when I can’t tell you. I really can’t," Peterson said. "I would say we’re still communicating. Are we real close? Not from where I sit.

The truth, straight from the guy who means it. I'm not believing any report unless it says that Larry Johnson has actually signed with the Chiefs. That should hopefully happen soon. Maybe Larry just needs to take a nap and hear a voice that says, "Compromise with Carl Peterson". Hey, it worked for Priest.

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610

Yeah, I heard that on my way to work this morning, but by no means did I stop in traffic to this news. I don't know if it's confirmed that he's here, but they definitely reported that, but does any of this really matter? Chris you said it best, until the two sides have reached an agreement, I'm not going to buy into these reports or get my hopes up, not to mention I could care less if LJ doesn't play a preseason game. Just as long as he's ready for the first regular season game, that's all I really care about.

by Chiefs n Chopper on Aug 20, 2007 9:36 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I thought

you weren't going to report on these types of things. I got too excited when I saw you were reporting on LJ, thought it could have been a deal.

by Joel Thorman on Aug 20, 2007 1:54 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Nothing really new

to report, except the 610 thing.

Didn't you wanted any LJ updates I could find?

by Chris Thorman on Aug 20, 2007 2:07 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Guess I'm just frustrated

waiting for him to sign.

by Joel Thorman on Aug 20, 2007 2:19 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Looking for some advice...

I will be totally up front with you guys. I am interested mostly for fantasy football reasons.

Yesterday I drafted Larry Johnson fourth overall.

Two other people on different teams drafted Preist Holmes and Michael Bennett.

So my questions are. #1: Do you think LJ will sign before the season starts?

#2: If not, who do you think will start instead: Bennett or Holmes?

#3: Whoever you think will start in place of LJ if he does not sign, are they worth trading a guy like TB's Michael Pittman or IND's rookie RB DeDe Dorsey for?

Any advice is greatly appreciated!

by BuckFush on Aug 20, 2007 2:54 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

RE:

I believe LJ will be signed and playing for the first regular season game.
Michael Bennett would start instead. Priest Holmes, at this point, will more than likely end up on the PUP list to start the season, which means he can't play until Week 7. If he does make the team, it won't be as the featured back by any means.
No LJ=No viable fantasy option at RB on the Chiefs. Bennett could turn out to be a decent no. 2 fantasy back if LJ doesn't sign.

by Chris Thorman on Aug 20, 2007 3:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

with all due respect

I don't think Priest Holmes is in camp to do anything but "pressure" Larry Johnson. I'd be very surprised if he was anywhere near Kansas City on a Sunday during the football season.

by sm7600 on Aug 20, 2007 3:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Don't think it has anything to do about pressure

instead getting cut so he doesn't have to give back a prorated version of his signing bonus....

by Joel Thorman on Aug 20, 2007 4:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

exactly.

by rockchalk on Aug 20, 2007 9:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

my answers

i think that LJ will sign, yes. carl likes playing games but he usually gets the deal done, so i think that LJ will sign by this time next week and will be in uniform to open up the season. good idea drafting him...
priest holmes will not make this team. bennett would receive the majority of the carries, although kolby smith (rookie out of louisville) will see plenty of action as well. derrick ross might receive a carry or two, but isnt a viable fantasy option by any means...
i would trade either pittman or dede dorsey for bennett, but not kolby smith. even though bennett wont put up great numbers, herm still loves to run the ball and he will see the ball plenty. throw in a handful of TD's and he could be a decent #3 or #4 back. worth pittman or dorsey IMO.

hope that helps. i think it was a smart move drafting LJ, i think he will sign and when he does will produce big time #'s.

by rockchalk on Aug 20, 2007 9:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

'Thatswhatshesaid'...

Thank you for the candid answers. I appreciate the in depth advice and I hope you are right about it being a good pick. I did a ton of research this year and up to date info. as of Sunday (8/19) said despite the ongoing holdout to draft Johnson at #2 overall on some sites, #3 on others. But almost all sites said if he falls to you at #4 "snap him up" right away. So I hope I made a wise decision.

Anyway, thanks for the great forum.

Do you guys think if something is about to get done (like next week as you were thinking) that this site might have some tidbit of a hint about it ahead of time?

Also, what other sites would be good to use in order to monitor LJ's situation?

Thanks!

by BuckFush on Aug 21, 2007 12:38 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs