LJ to the Browns Trade Talk (1 Viewer)

[fatness]

Almost a week old but interesting view from an "insider"

Don’t Believe The LJ Hype

LJ has earned his money

By C.E. Wendler ~ Warpaint Illustrated Columnist

Posted Apr 20, 2007

......Let’s examine the facts.

Is Johnson a malcontent? No. As Athan reported Friday, Johnson is working out with the team, has not threatened a holdout and hasn’t demanded a trade (unlike some other players).

Why is it seemingly impossible for Johnson to shake this “cancer” label? Some people simply can’t forgive or forget the past. LJ’s 2003 domestic incident may end up haunting his entire career – even if he continues to keep his nose clean, as he’s done since his rookie season.

Compared to a legitimate cancer like Baltimore’s Willis McGahee, Johnson is an angel. Bills fans, almost across the board, despise their former running back for his behavior off the field, his lack of effort on the field and the way he shunned the city of Buffalo.

So far, Johnson hasn’t come close to demonstrating any of these character flaws. He hasn’t even disparaged Kansas City restaurants (I know you’re reading, Steve)........

http://chiefs.scout.com/2/637402.html

Thank you.

 

[amnesiac]

the browns aren't an RB away from competing. this seems like a trade a playoff-ready team would try to pull off.

I'm going to play along because it's fun to dream a little. Clev is closer to competing than you might think. Consider this:1. They make some miracle of a trade deal and land LJ and keep their #1 this year.2. Then they draft Quinn.3. Next year they get Bentley back. With Steinbach and Bentley on the line this team is way better than last year.4. Winslow returns to health.If, and I mean if, all the above were to happen then next year they are a playoff team. Quinn has some rokkie games under his belt. The Oline gells. The defense is automatically better because of the improved offense. They are a playoff team, without a question. They won't contend for a title but they are considerably imnproved.Of course this won't happen so it doesn't matter.

oh, i'm still holding out hope that they can become a playoff team in the next few years, but i think they need to get there by holding on to their draft picks and selecting good players.

 

[bjabrad]

Almost a week old but interesting view from an "insider"

Don’t Believe The LJ Hype

LJ has earned his money

By C.E. Wendler ~ Warpaint Illustrated Columnist

Posted Apr 20, 2007

......Let’s examine the facts.

Is Johnson a malcontent? No. As Athan reported Friday, Johnson is working out with the team, has not threatened a holdout and hasn’t demanded a trade (unlike some other players).

Why is it seemingly impossible for Johnson to shake this “cancer” label? Some people simply can’t forgive or forget the past. LJ’s 2003 domestic incident may end up haunting his entire career – even if he continues to keep his nose clean, as he’s done since his rookie season.

Compared to a legitimate cancer like Baltimore’s Willis McGahee, Johnson is an angel. Bills fans, almost across the board, despise their former running back for his behavior off the field, his lack of effort on the field and the way he shunned the city of Buffalo.

So far, Johnson hasn’t come close to demonstrating any of these character flaws. He hasn’t even disparaged Kansas City restaurants (I know you’re reading, Steve)........

http://chiefs.scout.com/2/637402.html

Thank you.

Thanks for clearing that up. A columnist for Chiefs fan forum said it so it must be true. I guess we should all consider this subject closed since this writer's opinion should be worth so much more than anybody elses.Or it could be that he's trying to be a good homer and write good stuff about LJ so that KC gets max value in a trade but then I didn't mention that I'm a columnist so my theories should be discounted immediately.

 

[bjabrad]

back to the subject at hand,,,um,,,what was the subject at hand,,,,

Oh yeah, is LJ getting traded to CLE, BUF or GB? I've read that offers are on the table. Word at Warpaint Illustrated mentions GB giving a verbal offer of 1st and 3rd for LJ.

Also saw a post claiming that DEN offered DET a 1st, 2nd and 3rd for DET's #2 overall pick to get Calvin Johnson. If this is true then what is a realistic value for LJ?

Additionally, doesn't it make sense in Herm Edwards system to get rid of a superstar RB when you know that you're going to run your RB's into the ground. It makes more sense to utilize RBBC and try to win with DEF and ST. Why not try the New England recipe of not having any stars that you have to pay on offense by not giving any one player enough carries or catches to be overly desired by any team. I'm just saying that if you're going to run, run, run then you might as well use RBBC and have a great DEF.

 

[Banger]

Also saw a post claiming that DEN offered DET a 1st, 2nd and 3rd for DET's #2 overall pick to get Calvin Johnson. If this is true then what is a realistic value for LJ?

They're apples/oranges IMO. One guy is a rookie with off the chart physical attributes and the other is an all-pro player in his late 20's, who's looking for a HUGE payday. Age, wear and tear and the contract are huge factors.

 

[fatness]

From PFT:

POSTED 3:03 p.m. EDT, April 26, 2007RUMOR OF GREEN BAY OFFER FOR L.J. IS OFF THE MARKThough we've never seen a rumor that we didn't want to monger, we've learned based on discussions with league insiders and via the application of common sense that the Packers have not offered a first-round pick and a fourth-round pick to the Chiefs for running back Larry Johnson.As we suggested in our short blurb regarding the Scout.com report that an offer is on the table, the deal makes no sense unless the Packers have in place a long-term deal with Johnson. But a league source tells us that no permission has been given by Johnson to talk to other teams; thus, if any discussions have occurred, it would be an obvious violation of the tampering rules.Though it's not becoming more common for a trade to be worked out contingent on the new team and the player working out a contract, there's no way that the Packers and Johnson would get together on a long-term contract before Saturday, even if a trade deal were done right now between the teams. The Chiefs are quietly shopping Johnson due in part to the reality that he wants a deal worth more than the contract signed by 2006 MVP LaDainian Tomlinson before the salary cap spike of the past two seasons. There's no way that Packers G.M. Ted Thompson will ever agree to that.

 

[bjabrad]

From PFT:

POSTED 3:03 p.m. EDT, April 26, 2007RUMOR OF GREEN BAY OFFER FOR L.J. IS OFF THE MARKThough we've never seen a rumor that we didn't want to monger, we've learned based on discussions with league insiders and via the application of common sense that the Packers have not offered a first-round pick and a fourth-round pick to the Chiefs for running back Larry Johnson.As we suggested in our short blurb regarding the Scout.com report that an offer is on the table, the deal makes no sense unless the Packers have in place a long-term deal with Johnson. But a league source tells us that no permission has been given by Johnson to talk to other teams; thus, if any discussions have occurred, it would be an obvious violation of the tampering rules.Though it's not becoming more common for a trade to be worked out contingent on the new team and the player working out a contract, there's no way that the Packers and Johnson would get together on a long-term contract before Saturday, even if a trade deal were done right now between the teams. The Chiefs are quietly shopping Johnson due in part to the reality that he wants a deal worth more than the contract signed by 2006 MVP LaDainian Tomlinson before the salary cap spike of the past two seasons. There's no way that Packers G.M. Ted Thompson will ever agree to that.

Who says GB has to sign him to a new contract? LJ already has a one year contract in place. LJ can hold out if he wants but we've all seen how that works out for the player,,,it doesn't since it puts them behind in training camp and renders them pretty much worthless for the season so they basically take a year off, get a year older and don't get paid. After the one year contract is over, GB can put the franchise tag on LJ for a couple of years until he's past his prime or injured and then sign him to a reasonable contract. Pretty much a tough business for RB's in the NFL due to their short life span and frequency of injury.

 

[CA_7]

Almost a week old but interesting view from an "insider"

Don’t Believe The LJ Hype

LJ has earned his money

By C.E. Wendler ~ Warpaint Illustrated Columnist

Posted Apr 20, 2007

......Let’s examine the facts.

Is Johnson a malcontent? No. As Athan reported Friday, Johnson is working out with the team, has not threatened a holdout and hasn’t demanded a trade (unlike some other players).

Why is it seemingly impossible for Johnson to shake this “cancer” label? Some people simply can’t forgive or forget the past. LJ’s 2003 domestic incident may end up haunting his entire career – even if he continues to keep his nose clean, as he’s done since his rookie season.

Compared to a legitimate cancer like Baltimore’s Willis McGahee, Johnson is an angel. Bills fans, almost across the board, despise their former running back for his behavior off the field, his lack of effort on the field and the way he shunned the city of Buffalo.

So far, Johnson hasn’t come close to demonstrating any of these character flaws. He hasn’t even disparaged Kansas City restaurants (I know you’re reading, Steve)........

http://chiefs.scout.com/2/637402.html

Thank you.

Thanks for clearing that up. A columnist for Chiefs fan forum said it so it must be true. I guess we should all consider this subject closed since this writer's opinion should be worth so much more than anybody elses.Or it could be that he's trying to be a good homer and write good stuff about LJ so that KC gets max value in a trade but then I didn't mention that I'm a columnist so my theories should be discounted immediately.

Nice to see you are open-minded about reading other's opinions

 

[bjabrad]

Almost a week old but interesting view from an "insider"

Don’t Believe The LJ Hype

LJ has earned his money

By C.E. Wendler ~ Warpaint Illustrated Columnist

Posted Apr 20, 2007

......Let’s examine the facts.

Is Johnson a malcontent? No. As Athan reported Friday, Johnson is working out with the team, has not threatened a holdout and hasn’t demanded a trade (unlike some other players).

Why is it seemingly impossible for Johnson to shake this “cancer” label? Some people simply can’t forgive or forget the past. LJ’s 2003 domestic incident may end up haunting his entire career – even if he continues to keep his nose clean, as he’s done since his rookie season.

Compared to a legitimate cancer like Baltimore’s Willis McGahee, Johnson is an angel. Bills fans, almost across the board, despise their former running back for his behavior off the field, his lack of effort on the field and the way he shunned the city of Buffalo.

So far, Johnson hasn’t come close to demonstrating any of these character flaws. He hasn’t even disparaged Kansas City restaurants (I know you’re reading, Steve)........

http://chiefs.scout.com/2/637402.html

Thank you.

Thanks for clearing that up. A columnist for Chiefs fan forum said it so it must be true. I guess we should all consider this subject closed since this writer's opinion should be worth so much more than anybody elses.Or it could be that he's trying to be a good homer and write good stuff about LJ so that KC gets max value in a trade but then I didn't mention that I'm a columnist so my theories should be discounted immediately.

Nice to see you are open-minded about reading other's opinions

I'm happy if you're happy. Thanks for bringing the article to the discussion so that I can poke holes in it. What kind of fun would it be to have a loaded gun if there wasn't anything to shoot at? (I provided the set up,,,now take the shot).

 

[CA_7]

Almost a week old but interesting view from an "insider"

Don’t Believe The LJ Hype

LJ has earned his money

By C.E. Wendler ~ Warpaint Illustrated Columnist

Posted Apr 20, 2007

......Let’s examine the facts.

Is Johnson a malcontent? No. As Athan reported Friday, Johnson is working out with the team, has not threatened a holdout and hasn’t demanded a trade (unlike some other players).

Why is it seemingly impossible for Johnson to shake this “cancer” label? Some people simply can’t forgive or forget the past. LJ’s 2003 domestic incident may end up haunting his entire career – even if he continues to keep his nose clean, as he’s done since his rookie season.

Compared to a legitimate cancer like Baltimore’s Willis McGahee, Johnson is an angel. Bills fans, almost across the board, despise their former running back for his behavior off the field, his lack of effort on the field and the way he shunned the city of Buffalo.

So far, Johnson hasn’t come close to demonstrating any of these character flaws. He hasn’t even disparaged Kansas City restaurants (I know you’re reading, Steve)........

http://chiefs.scout.com/2/637402.html

Thank you.

Thanks for clearing that up. A columnist for Chiefs fan forum said it so it must be true. I guess we should all consider this subject closed since this writer's opinion should be worth so much more than anybody elses.Or it could be that he's trying to be a good homer and write good stuff about LJ so that KC gets max value in a trade but then I didn't mention that I'm a columnist so my theories should be discounted immediately.

Nice to see you are open-minded about reading other's opinions

I'm happy if you're happy. Thanks for bringing the article to the discussion so that I can poke holes in it. What kind of fun would it be to have a loaded gun if there wasn't anything to shoot at? (I provided the set up,,,now take the shot).

You did such a great job poking holes in it I have no comeback. Good luck this year.

 

[midnightxxxx]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2850484

THIS LINK WILL ELIMINATE THIS THREAD.

Chiefs officials say Johnson trade talk rumors untrueAssociated Press

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- The Kansas City Chiefs quickly dispelled rumors they are shopping Pro Bowl running back Larry Johnson before this weekend's NFL draft.

Team spokesman Bob Moore said Thursday the Chiefs have not offered Johnson to anybody and that no team has been given permission to speak with him.

Larry Johnson

Running Back

Kansas City Chiefs

Profile

2006 SEASON STATISTICS

Rush Yds TD Rec Yds TD

416 1789 17 41 410 2

"Anybody who is reporting it's true is simply not telling the truth," Moore said.

Johnson, 27, has been participating in the Chiefs' offseason program, but is entering the final year of his contract. He has made it clear he wants a deal worth more than the eight-year, $60 million contract San Diego Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson signed two years ago.

Rumors that Kansas City wants to trade the brooding back, who carried the ball an NFL-record 416 times last season, surfaced as the team scrambles to acquire draft picks. The Kansas City Star, without citing a source, reported Thursday that the team had offered Johnson up for trade.

Johnson's agent, Alvin Keels, said Thursday he preferred not to comment.

Kansas City unloaded return specialist Dante Hall to the St. Louis Rams for a fifth-round pick Wednesday, falling in line with coach Herm Edwards' desire for a more youthful roster built via the draft.

"When you have a veteran football team, that's very, very good," Edwards said recently. "But at the end of the day, you have to acquire young players along the way."

The Chiefs invited four running backs -- California's Marshawn Lynch, Ohio State's Antonio Pittman, Florida State's Lorenzo Booker and Louisville's Kolby Smith -- for interviews, and have said they are willing to draft a running back in the early rounds.

Trading Johnson would make sense to those who view the Chiefs as undertaking a major rebuilding effort.

Kansas City is poised to start the season with untested second-year quarterback Brodie Croyle and journeyman Damon Huard, who played well last season when Trent Green missed parts of eight games with a concussion.

The offensive line is full of holes, after the retirement of 11-time Pro Bowl tackle Willie Roaf last season and 12-time Pro Bowl guard Will Shields earlier this month. The wide receiving corps has little depth behind aging Eddie Kennison, and defensive tackle and defensive back remain areas of concern.

Johnson's value has never been higher, either. After rushing for 1,750 yards and 20 touchdowns in 2005, he gained 1,789 yards and had 17 touchdowns last season. His 2,199 yards from scrimmage accounted for 43 percent of the Chiefs' total offense.

"He's still a guy in his prime," said former Houston Texans general manager Charley Casserly, who believes the Chiefs will sign Johnson to a contract extension. "I don't know what they could get to replace him. Certainly a draft choice isn't going to replace him."

Another way the Chiefs could acquire more draft picks is by dealing Green, the two-time Pro Bowl selection who returned from his concussion midway through last season but never played at the same level.

The Miami Dolphins have reached a tentative agreement with Green, who will be 37 when training camp opens. But the teams have not agreed on compensation, and it is becoming increasingly unlikely a trade will be done by the start of the draft.

The Chiefs are seeking a second-round pick and a late-round pick for Green.

Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press

 

[bjabrad]

Almost a week old but interesting view from an "insider"

Don’t Believe The LJ Hype

LJ has earned his money

By C.E. Wendler ~ Warpaint Illustrated Columnist

Posted Apr 20, 2007

......Let’s examine the facts.

Is Johnson a malcontent? No. As Athan reported Friday, Johnson is working out with the team, has not threatened a holdout and hasn’t demanded a trade (unlike some other players).

Why is it seemingly impossible for Johnson to shake this “cancer” label? Some people simply can’t forgive or forget the past. LJ’s 2003 domestic incident may end up haunting his entire career – even if he continues to keep his nose clean, as he’s done since his rookie season.

Compared to a legitimate cancer like Baltimore’s Willis McGahee, Johnson is an angel. Bills fans, almost across the board, despise their former running back for his behavior off the field, his lack of effort on the field and the way he shunned the city of Buffalo.

So far, Johnson hasn’t come close to demonstrating any of these character flaws. He hasn’t even disparaged Kansas City restaurants (I know you’re reading, Steve)........

http://chiefs.scout.com/2/637402.html

Thank you.

Thanks for clearing that up. A columnist for Chiefs fan forum said it so it must be true. I guess we should all consider this subject closed since this writer's opinion should be worth so much more than anybody elses.Or it could be that he's trying to be a good homer and write good stuff about LJ so that KC gets max value in a trade but then I didn't mention that I'm a columnist so my theories should be discounted immediately.

Nice to see you are open-minded about reading other's opinions

I'm happy if you're happy. Thanks for bringing the article to the discussion so that I can poke holes in it. What kind of fun would it be to have a loaded gun if there wasn't anything to shoot at? (I provided the set up,,,now take the shot).

You did such a great job poking holes in it I have no comeback. Good luck this year.

I was hoping for a comeback more along the lines of "too bad your gun was firing blanks or wasn't loaded" but your sarcasm was entertaining nevertheless and I appreciate the effort.

 

[BostonSportsGuy]

Not happening. Just more smoke-screens.

 

[bjabrad]

Taking a step backwards from the whole "LJ is on the block" I heard an interview with LJ today on KC radio and he was saying all the right things, complimenting Clark Hunt and Carl Peterson on their committment to win and saying that he wanted to get paid to take care of his family for the long term during his short NFL career span and that he wanted to keep things friendly and get a deal done before the season but that he wasn't in any hurry. He also said he didn't want to make any decsions on a hold out or let it get that far and felt confident that both parties would be able to work something out. Well spoken, media saavy, made his points, positioned himself well for statying positive with the fans during a negotiation and didn't give the media any ammunition for any future bad press. Pretty impressive interview and didn't sound like somebody who wanted out of their current situation.

I think you can listen to it here:

http://warpaintillustrated.com/

 

[fatness]

Johnson, during an interview with Sirius Satellite radio, said he has heard rumors about the trade but doesn't want to leave the Chiefs. In fact, Johnson had high praise for Chiefs owner Clark Hunt.

Team spokesman Bob Moore said that the Chiefs have not offered Johnson to anybody, and that no team has been given permission to speak with him.

The 27-year-old Johnson has been participating in the Chiefs' off-season program.

Link

 

[cstu]

From PFT:

POSTED 3:03 p.m. EDT, April 26, 2007RUMOR OF GREEN BAY OFFER FOR L.J. IS OFF THE MARKThough we've never seen a rumor that we didn't want to monger, we've learned based on discussions with league insiders and via the application of common sense that the Packers have not offered a first-round pick and a fourth-round pick to the Chiefs for running back Larry Johnson.As we suggested in our short blurb regarding the Scout.com report that an offer is on the table, the deal makes no sense unless the Packers have in place a long-term deal with Johnson. But a league source tells us that no permission has been given by Johnson to talk to other teams; thus, if any discussions have occurred, it would be an obvious violation of the tampering rules.Though it's not becoming more common for a trade to be worked out contingent on the new team and the player working out a contract, there's no way that the Packers and Johnson would get together on a long-term contract before Saturday, even if a trade deal were done right now between the teams. The Chiefs are quietly shopping Johnson due in part to the reality that he wants a deal worth more than the contract signed by 2006 MVP LaDainian Tomlinson before the salary cap spike of the past two seasons. There's no way that Packers G.M. Ted Thompson will ever agree to that.

Who says GB has to sign him to a new contract? LJ already has a one year contract in place. LJ can hold out if he wants but we've all seen how that works out for the player,,,it doesn't since it puts them behind in training camp and renders them pretty much worthless for the season so they basically take a year off, get a year older and don't get paid. After the one year contract is over, GB can put the franchise tag on LJ for a couple of years until he's past his prime or injured and then sign him to a reasonable contract. Pretty much a tough business for RB's in the NFL due to their short life span and frequency of injury.

I actually think this trade should happen since it's good for both sides. For the Packers, they get a RB who will give them a shot in Favre final(?) year and don't have to give him a new contract. The Chiefs could get Lynch to replace LJ and would get him for a reasonable contract without having to decide what to do with LJ next year when he'd want a record-breaking contract.