Tony G to Falcons for 2010 2nd (1 Viewer)

[doubletrouble]

NFL Network's Michael Lombardi reports that there's an "80-85 percent chance" that Tony Gonzalez will be dealt to the Falcons this offseason.

Lombardi says Gonzo has already cleared his Chiefs locker in anticipation of a deal. The Chiefs lost their second-round pick in February's Matt Cassel trade and are reportedly willing to send Gonzalez to Atlanta for the No. 55 overall pick. Gonzo recently turned 33, but obviously can still play. He caught 96 passes for 1,058 yards (11.0 YPC) and 10 touchdowns in 2008.

 

[fridayfrenzy]

First I've heard of it.

 

[-baller]

what the what??

 

[bcr8f]

The title makes it look like it's done not a chance it'll happen.

 

[Chunky Soup]

NFL Network's Michael Lombardi reports that there's an "80-85 percent chance" that Tony Gonzalez will be dealt to the Falcons this offseason.

This contradicts the title of the thread

 

[identikit]

The title makes it look like it's done not a chance it'll happen.

Title really needs to be changed....

 

[Sinrman]

Misleading title...

But listening to NFL Live earlier -- they splashed the potential of something happening between the Chiefs and Falcons, but everyone seemed to agree that with the Chiefs getting Cassell and having a young offense there, it wouldn't make all that much sense to trade off one of the top TEs, with veteran leadership.

 

[Warpig]

Not so fast gentlemen. It is quite possible that Tony G could be traded off. Pioli is gradually purging holdover players. He just punted Will Franklin...one of the very few young and precious WR's they had left on the roster. They're more than likely gonna boot LJ too. No one is safe in the new regime. Pioli is bringing in his guys as is most other new GM's and head coaches across the league.

My personal opinion is that he's gone. He's got his locker cleared out already in anticipation of being moved. A 2nd rounder is pretty darn good for a 33 year old TE. If anything prevents it from happening I'd say it's the Atlanta organization not really even being interested.

 

[doubletrouble]

 

[doubletrouble]

http://testosteronesports.com/the_vein_rev...hp?vein_id=2604

The Main Line...There are rumors swirling that the Chiefs will trade Tony Gonzalez to the Falcons. Various outlets are reporting that Gonzalez' locker has been cleaned out, and that the Chiefs will be shipping their All Pro TE out to Atlanta for the #55 pick in the draft.

jesse thinks...

The thinking here is that the Chiefs would get back a second rounder in this deal after dealing away a second to acquire Matt Cassel. I think it's a dumb move for KC, but it would sure make me even more excited about Matt Ryan's second season. Gonzo's value would remain in tact, and most would still view him as a top-three player at his position.

 

[Sinrman]

Personally, I think a mere 2nd rounder would be an absolute steal for someone of his caliber. I mean heck, he's an easy first-ballot HoFer, and showed just this past season that he has plenty in the tank. He even proved he can still hack it in a craptastic offense like KC's was last year.

I'm surprised there weren't more teams interested in him. Philly? NE? I know Tony G would want to go to a contender, so being traded to my Lions would be a pipe dream. But hey, one can dream....

 

[stbugs]

http://testosteronesports.com/the_vein_rev...hp?vein_id=2604

The Main Line...There are rumors swirling that the Chiefs will trade Tony Gonzalez to the Falcons. Various outlets are reporting that Gonzalez' locker has been cleaned out, and that the Chiefs will be shipping their All Pro TE out to Atlanta for the #55 pick in the draft.

jesse thinks...

The thinking here is that the Chiefs would get back a second rounder in this deal after dealing away a second to acquire Matt Cassel. I think it's a dumb move for KC, but it would sure make me even more excited about Matt Ryan's second season. Gonzo's value would remain in tact, and most would still view him as a top-three player at his position.

Ryan, with White, Gonzalez and Jenkins/Douglas and Turner/Norwood keeping Ds honest, would have an extremely high ceiling. Gonzalez has always been a good TE, but often has been a great RZ threat and that can do nothing but help Ryan. I would be very, very high on him if he got Gonzalez.Heck, I would be very high on the Falcons and wouldn't be surprised to see them become the class of the NFC. Maybe my excitement should be tempered, but I have always liked Gonzalez and the Falcons are young and improving.

 

[-baller]

Personally, I think a mere 2nd rounder would be an absolute steal for someone of his caliber. I mean heck, he's an easy first-ballot HoFer, and showed just this past season that he has plenty in the tank. He even proved he can still hack it in a craptastic offense like KC's was last year.I'm surprised there weren't more teams interested in him. Philly? NE? I know Tony G would want to go to a contender, so being traded to my Lions would be a pipe dream. But hey, one can dream....

I don't think new england could afford him.

 

[Yellow Line is Unoffcial]

This could happen, but if it did it would be one of the very few things Lombardi was right about.

 

[Rockchild]

Misleading title...But listening to NFL Live earlier -- they splashed the potential of something happening between the Chiefs and Falcons, but everyone seemed to agree that with the Chiefs getting Cassell and having a young offense there, it wouldn't make all that much sense to trade off one of the top TEs, with veteran leadership.

Haley's offense in Arizona didn't utilize the TE very much so it doesn't seem out the realm of possibility for this to happen. Was this just because they didn't have a good option at TE or the way the offense was schemed?

 

[bjabrad]

Gonzo is getting tired of losing. If Gonzo stays with KC he will retire sooner than if he's playing for a contender. KC will not be playing for anything for a few years. Gonzo can probably play for another three or four years. Gonzo's trade value will never be higher than it is right now. Most teams consider TE, even the best TE in the league, a luxury, thus a 2nd is probably the best that can be had for Gonzo.

I think a trade makes sense for both Gonzo, KC and ATL or other team. KC needs draft picks more than the best TE in the league which helped them win 2 games.

 

[cstu]

Gonzo to the Falcons would be a big boost for Ryan, but I think it would hurt Roddy White most. White hasn't been a major redzone threat so far and with the Falcons running game it'll limit his upside. I was very high on him going into this season but I don't see him improving on last year's numbers with Gonzo competing for catches.

 

[Dave Larkin]

If you're Matt Ryan right now, you're probably tugging at Arthur Blank's sleeve all day like a kid after candy begging him to get this deal done. This would be a great pickup for the Falcons, who will probably upgrade the TE position in the draft anyway. Gonzo would act as a good bridge between the present and the future.

 

[ChuckLiddell]

Gonzo to the Falcons would be a big boost for Ryan, but I think it would hurt Roddy White most. White hasn't been a major redzone threat so far and with the Falcons running game it'll limit his upside. I was very high on him going into this season but I don't see him improving on last year's numbers with Gonzo competing for catches.

As an owner of both players, my initial reaction was the same as your take. Not bad for Gonzo, but could be at the expense of Roddy. After thinking about it for a day, it could go either way. Having Gonzo in there could take some coverage off Roddy - particularly in the red zone. I also can see the argument that there are not enough balls to keep Turner, Gonzo, and Roddy all as fantasy studs in one offense. But other teams have made ti work in a fantasy sense (T.O./Witten/Barber...Irvin/Emmit/Novacek...Braylon/KW/Jamal (for a year), Harrison (Wayne)/Clark/Addai(Edge), etc.). I see your point, but at the same time, it could work the other way also and make Roddy even more of a fantasy commodity. The team would be very tough to defend with a threat like Gonzo in the offense, and everyone could potentially benefit.

 

[Tanner9919]

Personally, I think a mere 2nd rounder would be an absolute steal for someone of his caliber. I mean heck, he's an easy first-ballot HoFer, and showed just this past season that he has plenty in the tank. He even proved he can still hack it in a craptastic offense like KC's was last year.I'm surprised there weren't more teams interested in him. Philly? NE? I know Tony G would want to go to a contender, so being traded to my Lions would be a pipe dream. But hey, one can dream....

Giants fans will take him in a NY minute!!

 

[Banger]

From a fantasy POV .... I'd have to say this is a hit to Cassel taking away one of his two targets... Bowe will get more coverage but probably get a lot more of the red zone targets that went Tony's way...

 

[saintfool]

bump cottam then? he's gonzo's back up right? big target too, as i recall...

 

[trader jake]

This looks like a nice win-win deal to me - the Chiefs are rebuilding and the Falcons get a proven TE. Both teams would also be freed up in the 1st round to draft BPA instead of selecting for need (ie, no Curry 1.03 or TE to Atlanta at 1.24.)

If this trade goes down the Chiefs would select either BJ Raji or T Smith/Monroe while the Falcons could add a corner or outside LB late 1st.

 

[Wyld Stallyns]

This looks like a nice win-win deal to me - the Chiefs are rebuilding and the Falcons get a proven TE. Both teams would also be freed up in the 1st round to draft BPA instead of selecting for need (ie, no Curry 1.03 or TE to Atlanta at 1.24.)If this trade goes down the Chiefs would select either BJ Raji or T Smith/Monroe while the Falcons could add a corner or outside LB late 1st.

I don't see how acquiring a 2nd rounder for Gonzo would mean the Chiefs don't draft Curry at 1.03? What am I missing?

 

[Hoss_Cartwright]

From a fantasy POV .... I'd have to say this is a hit to Cassel taking away one of his two targets... Bowe will get more coverage but probably get a lot more of the red zone targets that went Tony's way...

This benefits Mark Bradley for the Chiefs and Matt Ryan for the Falcons.

 

[puckalicious]

Gonzo to the Falcons would be a big boost for Ryan, but I think it would hurt Roddy White most. White hasn't been a major redzone threat so far and with the Falcons running game it'll limit his upside. I was very high on him going into this season but I don't see him improving on last year's numbers with Gonzo competing for catches.

As an owner of both players, my initial reaction was the same as your take. Not bad for Gonzo, but could be at the expense of Roddy. After thinking about it for a day, it could go either way. Having Gonzo in there could take some coverage off Roddy - particularly in the red zone. I also can see the argument that there are not enough balls to keep Turner, Gonzo, and Roddy all as fantasy studs in one offense. But other teams have made ti work in a fantasy sense (T.O./Witten/Barber...Irvin/Emmit/Novacek...Braylon/KW/Jamal (for a year), Harrison (Wayne)/Clark/Addai(Edge), etc.). I see your point, but at the same time, it could work the other way also and make Roddy even more of a fantasy commodity. The team would be very tough to defend with a threat like Gonzo in the offense, and everyone could potentially benefit.

Last year Ryan was 434/265/3440/16, there is a ton of room for improving on his stats this year. Adding Gonzo will not take away from White IMO, I can't see any reason that Ryan couldn't have 100 more attempts and 1000 more yards. And there is certainly room for more TDs...

 

[trader jake]

This looks like a nice win-win deal to me - the Chiefs are rebuilding and the Falcons get a proven TE. Both teams would also be freed up in the 1st round to draft BPA instead of selecting for need (ie, no Curry 1.03 or TE to Atlanta at 1.24.)If this trade goes down the Chiefs would select either BJ Raji or T Smith/Monroe while the Falcons could add a corner or outside LB late 1st.

I don't see how acquiring a 2nd rounder for Gonzo would mean the Chiefs don't draft Curry at 1.03? What am I missing?

Plenty of OLB talent will be available in the early second.If Pioli felt that OLB position was the Chiefs most pressing need (and had Curry ranked as a top player but not #3) he still may have felt compelled to make that pick. With this additional selection he can now feel more comfortable staying true to his draft board. It's also unlikely that KC has an outside linebacker that doesn't rush the passer as the 3rd best overall player, and based on New England's draft day strategy, I'd guess Pioli's selects a player to improve them in the trenches. I believe KC goes that way regardless but this trade would cement it IMO.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

From a fantasy POV .... I'd have to say this is a hit to Cassel taking away one of his two targets... Bowe will get more coverage but probably get a lot more of the red zone targets that went Tony's way...

This benefits Mark Bradley for the Chiefs and Matt Ryan for the Falcons.

I'd say Bobby Engram gets a slight boost as well as he should/could see alot of the over the middle targets that would have gone Gonzo's way.

 

[Stinkin Ref]

lol at 80-85% chance....what would have to happen to bump this bad boy up to about 90 or 92%......?

isn't this 50-50 just like every other possible deal at this point....either it will happen or it won't....?

as KC fan, it hurts me to say this, but I think it would be a good move....

 

[trader jake]

isn't this 50-50 just like every other possible deal at this point....either it will happen or it won't....?

You're going to make some heads explode with this. Are the fans of KC ready to move on without Gonzo?

 

[tuffnutt]

isn't this 50-50 just like every other possible deal at this point....either it will happen or it won't....?

You're going to make some heads explode with this. Are the fans of KC ready to move on without Gonzo?

As a KC fan I am ready for L.W.G. "Life without Gonzo"With a second round pick coming back our way we would be able to address pressing needs on both sides of the ball. I am also in the belief that if Curry is NOT the #3 guy on the Chiefs board they will look to trade down, possibly with cleveland who may have extra picks from a Edwards trade

 

[bjabrad]

isn't this 50-50 just like every other possible deal at this point....either it will happen or it won't....?

You're going to make some heads explode with this. Are the fans of KC ready to move on without Gonzo?

As a Chiefs fan, I AM ready for life without Gonzo. He's my favorite player on the team but KC is better off long term with the draft pick and Gonzo is better off and deserves a chance to win. Gonzo has earned it and I wish him great success somewhere else.

 

[gonzobill5]

lol at 80-85% chance....what would have to happen to bump this bad boy up to about 90 or 92%......?isn't this 50-50 just like every other possible deal at this point....either it will happen or it won't....?as KC fan, it hurts me to say this, but I think it would be a good move....

I guess my chances of winning the lottery are 50-50 too!

 

[Dr. Octopus]

lol at 80-85% chance....what would have to happen to bump this bad boy up to about 90 or 92%......?isn't this 50-50 just like every other possible deal at this point....either it will happen or it won't....?as KC fan, it hurts me to say this, but I think it would be a good move....

While I'm not sure how they come up with 85%, not every event that has two possible outcomes is necessarily a 50% chance. If I approach Jessica Alba on the street and attempt to pick her up is there a 50% chance that I'm going to wake up with a smile on my face?

 

[netnalp]

Rotoworld:

The Atlanta Journal Constitution looked into Mike Lombardi's report that Tony Gonzalez will likely be dealt to the Falcons and found "nothing concrete."

The AJC does admit that the Gonzalez rumors could "percolate" into something concrete, but they've been unable to corroborate the story with their sources. Lombardi, appearing on NFL Network late Monday, set the odds at 80-85 percent that Gonzalez would be a Falcon.

 

[PatrickT]

Rotoworld:The Atlanta Journal Constitution looked into Mike Lombardi's report that Tony Gonzalez will likely be dealt to the Falcons and found "nothing concrete."The AJC does admit that the Gonzalez rumors could "percolate" into something concrete, but they've been unable to corroborate the story with their sources. Lombardi, appearing on NFL Network late Monday, set the odds at 80-85 percent that Gonzalez would be a Falcon.

Honestly, not sure how much credit I give to the AJC staff. Hopefully we get better and coverage improves, but they're usually behind everyone else. I find more about my team here than the AJC.

 

[lyon812]

Hmm. I don't really see the Falcons offense featuring a tight end enough to take advantage of Gonzalez. I admit they need an upgrade, but it's not an emergency as long as the current ones can still block well. It'd be smarter to use their draft pick(s) on defense than to pick up Gonzalez for a couple of years.

 

[Fantasy Bum]

bump cottam then? he's gonzo's back up right? big target too, as i recall...

And always hurt too dating back to college.

 

[B. Nugget]

bump cottam then? he's gonzo's back up right? big target too, as i recall...

And always hurt too dating back to college.

Chase Coffman to KC in the 3rd? He is from KC, he is a top TE prospect and would be an instant fan favorite.Cottam doesn't impress me, he was a Herm pick and I doubt there is a ton of loyalty there now with Pioli.

 

[massraider]

Hmm. I don't really see the Falcons offense featuring a tight end enough to take advantage of Gonzalez. I admit they need an upgrade, but it's not an emergency as long as the current ones can still block well. It'd be smarter to use their draft pick(s) on defense than to pick up Gonzalez for a couple of years.

What if the defensive players when they pick in the 2nd round all suck?Pick a 2nd round from 2005 or so. How many of those players would you trade for 2 or three years of Gonzo?Personally, I think it's unlikely that Gonzo is moved. A late 2nd round pick for their most consistent offensive weapon? I hope it happens, but I doubt it. Gonzo might like to be moved, but I think he would come in and play. And while all signs point to KC rebuilding, the Falcons this time last year looked worse than the Chiefs. Saying ANY team is out of it for 2 or 3 years is wrong to me. it gets proven every single year that teams can turn it around quickly.

 

[Tackling Dummies]

Hmm. I don't really see the Falcons offense featuring a tight end enough to take advantage of Gonzalez. I admit they need an upgrade, but it's not an emergency as long as the current ones can still block well. It'd be smarter to use their draft pick(s) on defense than to pick up Gonzalez for a couple of years.

I'm taking the contrary position here as the plus's outweight the minus's. ATL does not feature a TE because they don't have one like Gonzalez. Gonzalez draws coverage away from the line and from White's double coverage, gives Ryan an additional target and ATL can reduce the wear on Turner's carries. He's also a red zone target, plays every game, will not be whining about a new contract and is motivated to play on a winning team. A 2nd is a fair price.

 

[The_Man]

A 2nd seems like way too much for Gonzo. He has a lot of mileage on him.

I've heard the Falcons linked a lot to Pettigrew in the draft, which makes a lot of sense -- draft another young talented player to grow up alongside Ryan.

Maybe if Pettigrew is gone, the Falcons would pull the trigger on a deal like this -- though it's hard for me to believe they would give up a #2 for a high-paid old guy like Gonzo.

 

[lyon812]

There's a report that the Chiefs rejected the offer, fwiw.

http://www.arrowheadpride.com/2009/4/13/83...lcons-offer-for

 

[massraider]

Just for fun, take a look at the players picked in this range in recent years. Let's take 2001-2006, players we can say with confidence if they are good picks or not:

53 Quincy Carter Cowboys QB Georgia

54 Michael Stone Cardinals DB Memphis

55 Quinton Caver Eagles LB Arkansas

56 Tony Dixon Cowboys DB Alabama

57 Willie Howard Vikings DT Stanford

53 Langston Walker Raiders T California

54 Maurice Morris Seahawks RB Oregon

55 Doug Jolley Raiders TE Brigham Young

56 Ladell Betts Redskins RB Iowa

57 Jon McGraw Jets DB Kansas State

53 Victor Hobson Jets LB Michigan

54 Anquan Boldin Cardinals WR Florida State

55 Bryan Scott Falcons DB Penn State

56 Osi Umenyiora Giants DE Troy State

57 Anthony Adams 49ers DT Penn State

53 Michael Boulware Seahawks LB Florida State

54 Darius Watts Broncos WR Marshall

55 Greg Jones Jaguars RB Florida State

56 Madieu Williams Bengals DB Maryland

57 Antwan Odom Titans DE Alabama

53 Dan Cody Ravens DE Oklahoma

54 Eric Shelton Panthers RB Louisville

55 Roscoe Parrish Bills WR Miami (FL)

56 Darrent Williams Broncos DB Oklahoma State

57 Justin Miller Jets DB Clemson

53 Anthony Fasano Cowboys TE Notre Dame

54 Bernard Pollard Chiefs DB Purdue

55 Andrew Whitworth Bengals T Louisiana State

56 Chris Chester Ravens C Oklahoma

57 Devin Hester Bears WR Miami (FL)

I see 4-5 players I wouldn't trade for two years of Pro Bowl tight end.

Amazing how overrated draft picks are this time of year.

 

[fridayfrenzy]

Just for fun, take a look at the players picked in this range in recent years. Let's take 2001-2006, players we can say with confidence if they are good picks or not: 53 Quincy Carter Cowboys QB Georgia 54 Michael Stone Cardinals DB Memphis 55 Quinton Caver Eagles LB Arkansas 56 Tony Dixon Cowboys DB Alabama 57 Willie Howard Vikings DT Stanford53 Langston Walker Raiders T California 54 Maurice Morris Seahawks RB Oregon 55 Doug Jolley Raiders TE Brigham Young 56 Ladell Betts Redskins RB Iowa 57 Jon McGraw Jets DB Kansas State 53 Victor Hobson Jets LB Michigan 54 Anquan Boldin Cardinals WR Florida State 55 Bryan Scott Falcons DB Penn State 56 Osi Umenyiora Giants DE Troy State 57 Anthony Adams 49ers DT Penn State 53 Michael Boulware Seahawks LB Florida State 54 Darius Watts Broncos WR Marshall 55 Greg Jones Jaguars RB Florida State 56 Madieu Williams Bengals DB Maryland 57 Antwan Odom Titans DE Alabama 53 Dan Cody Ravens DE Oklahoma 54 Eric Shelton Panthers RB Louisville 55 Roscoe Parrish Bills WR Miami (FL) 56 Darrent Williams Broncos DB Oklahoma State 57 Justin Miller Jets DB Clemson 53 Anthony Fasano Cowboys TE Notre Dame 54 Bernard Pollard Chiefs DB Purdue 55 Andrew Whitworth Bengals T Louisiana State 56 Chris Chester Ravens C Oklahoma 57 Devin Hester Bears WR Miami (FL) I see 4-5 players I wouldn't trade for two years of Pro Bowl tight end.Amazing how overrated draft picks are this time of year.

Shouldn't you be looking at more than just a range of 5 picks? I am pretty sure that they could take anyone picked after the #53 pick.

 

[FUBAR]

Shouldn't you be looking at more than just a range of 5 picks? I am pretty sure that they could take anyone picked after the #53 pick.

You think the success rate increases later?

 

[FUBAR]

I see 4-5 players I wouldn't trade for two years of Pro Bowl tight end.

I see 8-10, but either way it's a low rate. Do salary ramifications change your mind at all?It's tough to trade the face of your franchise, IMO Gonzo is that guy in KC. If I were a Chiefs fan, I'd probably rather see him retire a Chief than get a 33% chance of getting a productive player.

 

[massraider]

I see 4-5 players I wouldn't trade for two years of Pro Bowl tight end.

I see 8-10, but either way it's a low rate. Do salary ramifications change your mind at all?It's tough to trade the face of your franchise, IMO Gonzo is that guy in KC. If I were a Chiefs fan, I'd probably rather see him retire a Chief than get a 33% chance of getting a productive player.

RE: Salary. Sure, it's a consideration, but the if the Falcons trade for Gonzo, they get him for a lower cap number than KC, who has a pro-rated signing bonus to consider. Falcons just have the base salaries (and any additional bonuses due). If the Falcons are up against the cap, then it might make more of a difference.I agree with you, if I was a Chiefs fan, I would just as soon keep the guy. If I was a Falcons fan, I would be praying I could get a proven security blanket and game-changing TE for a lousy late 2nd.

 

[bjabrad]

As a Chiefs fan, (and I am a Kansas City Chiefs fan) I would take a chance at winning something in the future rather than what we have already seen is a 2 win season with Gonzo.

The odds of hitting something worthwhile are 16% if you factor in 5 meaningful players or 33% if you factor in 10 meaningful players taken out of the 30 player sample above. However, if your team management has a better drafting success rate than the league average and you have faith that your GM, coaches and scouts are going to outperform the league at drafting then you will be more motivated to take what looks like a smaller risk for a higher payout.

KC has nothing to win (IMO) by holding onto Gonzo and everything to lose (the potential of the draft picks).

KC has everything to gain by trading Gonzo (a chance at something better and more long term) and everything to lose (if Gonzo doesn't feel that he can get to a superbowl in the next two years then he's much more likely to retire). I don't see KC dreaming of the superbowl during Gonzo's next two seasons. Does anybody else?

Gonzo deserves a chance at something better in a quicker time frame and KC fans deserve draft picks that give them a better chance of winning down the road.

 

[Football Jones]

bump cottam then? he's gonzo's back up right? big target too, as i recall...

I'm pretty high on Brad Cottam (as a sleeper). He did virtually nothing in college at Tennessee, but I wouldn't let that deter you too much. Good TEs can come out of nowhere & he just might be one of those guys. Stranger things have happened.Cottam is huge (6'7"/270) & athletic (especially for his size). And despite his size, he has good receiving skills/instincts. Kind of a poor man's Jason Witten. Obviously, I'm not going to predict that kind of success, but Cottam is well worth a roster spot in a dynasty league, IMO.

I recently had a team send a proposal for Cottam in one of several leagues where I have him rostered, so it seems he's starting to gain a little attention. He'll be on everyone's radar if Gonzo gets traded. I believe Cottam makes a perfect "stash & hope" guy (as long as he comes free or real cheap).