Chiefs plan to keep Tony Gonzalez (1 Viewer)

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Gonzalez is priority for GM

By ADAM TEICHER

The Kansas City Star

Sunday’s game at Arrowhead Stadium had a different feel for Tony Gonzalez.

It was the first time he had gone out to play wondering whether it would be for the last time with the Chiefs.

So Gonzalez spent more time than usual during the Chiefs’ 35-30 victory over Jacksonville taking in and appreciating all of Arrowhead’s peculiar sights and sounds.

Gonzalez is in the final season of his contract and, after hoping he would have an extension by now, has started to think it might not happen at all.

“I’m optimistic we’ll get it done,” said Gonzalez, a tight end who led the Chiefs in receptions this season for the third straight year and six of the last eight.

“That’s what I’m hoping for. We’re talking. But you’ve got to understand that I’ve seen it happen before with guys around here before. I’ve seen it happen with Tony Richardson. I’ve seen it happen with Donnie Edwards. Those are guys you’d think would probably still be Chiefs.

“If it doesn’t work out, that’s how it goes, and I’m in that boat now. Right now, I can’t tell you which way it’s going to go.”

President/general manager Carl Peterson said after the game that Gonzalez would play for the Chiefs next season.

“I’m not going to lose him,” Peterson said. “If we have to put the franchise tag on him, we’ll do it.”

The sides are disputing what placing the franchise tag on Gonzalez would cost the Chiefs. It could be as low as $7.8 million for one season or as much as $11 million, and the matter could go to a grievance if the Chiefs make Gonzalez their franchise player.

Doing so would effectively prevent Gonzalez from signing with another team.

“If it’s $11 million, we would still franchise him,” Peterson said. “I’m not going to lose the guy. He’s too good of a football player. I’m hopeful we can come to an agreement before it gets to that point. We’ve traded proposals. I think we’ve made him a tremendous offer.

“But it doesn’t matter. We have enough money in our salary cap for 2007 for Tony Gonzalez whether the franchise tag is $11 million or $7.8 million.”

The Chiefs made Gonzalez their franchise player in 2002 and eventually signed him to the contract that will soon expire.

“I don’t want to get franchised,” Gonzalez said. “That’s no secret. Carl knows that. Who wants to be franchised? But I’ll deal with it and move on, like I did last time.

“If they don’t franchise me, I would definitely take a look and see what’s out there on the market. Hopefully, it doesn’t come down to that.

“Having said that, I would still give the Chiefs the first opportunity to re-sign me. This is my home.”

Despite leading the Chiefs, Gonzalez’s 73 receptions were his lowest total since 2003, when he caught 71. The Chiefs are far less aggressive with their passing game than they’ve been since Gonzalez arrived as a rookie in 1997, and he said that would be a factor if he becomes a free agent.

“It’s frustrating at times,” Gonzalez said. “The thing I’m most concerned with is winning. That’s my No. 1 goal as far as my future is concerned. If winning is not a part of the equation, I’m not going to be a part of it.”

http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/sports/16359768.htm

delete if a honda

 

[Bri]

if a honda

it is and it isn't, it's been quite some time since we discussed this.I believe his contract allows HIM to opt out of the contract and become a UFA. I don't think it's right that they could then tag him. That doesn't seem like it's in the spirit of the contract at all.

 

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His contract was for 4.4 million next year. If he is going to play for them either way, he might as well void it and get the 11 million (or 7.8).

 

[GRIDIRON ASSASSIN]

What choice do they have really?

They've got a TE that puts up WR type numbers, and all their WRs suck.

So they slot WR money to the star TE.

It would have been a shame to see Gonzo in another uniform, so I'm glad he's staying there.

 

[gzilla]

if a honda

it is and it isn't, it's been quite some time since we discussed this.I believe his contract allows HIM to opt out of the contract and become a UFA. I don't think it's right that they could then tag him. That doesn't seem like it's in the spirit of the contract at all.

I disagree with that completely. I'm sure both parties were aware that the Chiefs would be able to franchise Gonzales should he decide to opt out of the final year.

 

[Bevo]

I was hoping they would let him go and he could move on to a team that would actually use him in the passing game as a bit more than a midget offensive tackle.

 

[Floyd The Barber]

I was hoping Gonzo would change teams too.

I honestly don't know why players squeak and squawk about getting tagged. What's a guy like Gonzo going to get as a signing bonus anyway? $15 million spread out over 5 or more years at $5-7 million a year? Does that sound about right?

The way these boys juggle the money, if a player plays two years under a franchise tag he would net considerably more money over the same time frame compared to a regular deal. And as far as the threat of injury, buy insurance for the difference.

 

[Billy Ball Thorton]

I was hoping they would let him go and he could move on to a team that would actually use him in the passing game as a bit more than a midget offensive tackle.

Tied for second in receptions for TE'S @73. It looks like only the Browns would have used him more. What team did you have in mind?

 

[Exfireman_62]

I'd love to see him in Green Bay. The Pack need a good pass catching TE. They have plenty of cap room but may have to use that to shore up some other areas.

 

[None_More_Black]

I was hoping Gonzo would change teams too.I honestly don't know why players squeak and squawk about getting tagged. What's a guy like Gonzo going to get as a signing bonus anyway? $15 million spread out over 5 or more years at $5-7 million a year? Does that sound about right?The way these boys juggle the money, if a player plays two years under a franchise tag he would net considerably more money over the same time frame compared to a regular deal. And as far as the threat of injury, buy insurance for the difference.

I think the problem is he would be getting a one year deal if they franchise him. He would rather have a four year deal with a large bonus. He will be one year older next and there is always the chance of injury. I guess insurance might be able to mitigate this some what but I don't know.