Not In Kansas (City) Anymore?
February 4, 2009 at 5:20 pm | Article by Paul Hickey |
Print This Page
| 
We’re on the record as saying that Scott Pioli was an absolutely outstanding hire for the Kansas City Chiefs this off-season, but recently it’s become very clear that the new GM has his work cut out for him. Not only does he need to find a new coach ASAP, but two of his top veteran offensive playmakers all of the sudden want out.
29 year old former back-to-back 1,700 yard rusher Larry Johnson recently told a local Kansas City radio station that he does not want to be a member of the Chiefs in 2009. While was to be expected following a dismal season, which he was suspended four games (three by the team, one by the league) for an alleged off-the-field incident, it won’t be easy for the Chiefs to execute. Johnson is due a monster amount of guaranteed money over the next few seasons following a huge deal he signed prior to the 2007 season, making him very difficult to trade.
Also, it’s unclear if the Chiefs really get much cap relief or off the hook at all if they release L.J. this off-season. This makes the marriage one that might be worth Pioli working out (a la Corey Dillon in New England late in his career in 2005 and 2006). Fantasy owners should stay calm, because the odds of L.J. going anywhere are slim at this point, and a new coach - one that respects him - could change his whole attitude about leaving. One thing is clear, he still has a lot to offer some NFL team. Shoot, he averaged 4.5 yards per carry last season, rushing for nearly 900 yards and five TDs in only 12 games. Look, to put his value in perspective - he has much more left in the tank than Thomas Jones. If he is released - or somehow traded - he will land somewhere that will utilize his skills and bring him back to fantasy relevance. If he remains in K.C., he will be a key building block and leader - even though it doesn’t appear that way currently - for Pioli’s new regime.
To make matters even more complicated for Pioli, soon-to-be 33 year old veteran TE Tony Gonzalez now is stating that he wants out of town as well. He’s upset that Kirk Ferentz’s name is being mentioned as a possible head coaching candidate, and has wanted a trade since last September. Gonzo is now starting to act a little like Chad Johnson did last season, and we actually think it’s more likely that he’ll be traded, than L.J. If Pioli could get a couple draft picks, from a team like Philadelphia - who has plenty of them, needs a receiving threat at TE, and is an immediate Super Bowl contender - we could definitely see Gonzo being dealt to Philly on draft day. This would immediately boost his fantasy potential, and create an opportunity for a serious youth movement in Kansas City.
Much will depend on who Pioli brings in as head coach, but regardless of what happens there, expect major changes in the Chiefs’ offensive personnel this off-season - and, of course - plenty of fantasy impact to analyze.
Want free rankings? We can give you some of the best free 2009 rankings you’ll find available. If you’re looking for a little more, however, we offer customized player rankings to your league format and scoring system, as part of our Ultimate Strategist Package!
Related posts
Loading ...
