The second part of Jason Whitlock's interview with Larry Johnson is an interesting read. Johnson has been a pain for some coaches, but it's clear he's a bright guy.

Whitlock writes about Kansas City's decision to dangle Johnson on the trade market and reveals something I don't remember seeing before. The Packers had the greatest interest in Johnson (which we knew), but weren't willing to give up Kansas City's asking price. The price? Their first-, second-, and third-round picks in April.

Well, of course a rebuilding team like the Packers aren't going to trade their entire first day of the draft for one running back. I doubt any NFL team would in these enlightened times, where draft picks are appropriately treated as gold. Thomas Jones was traded simply for a move up in the second round. The Ravens gave up two thirds and a seventh for Willis McGahee. (And I didn't even think that was a good deal for Baltimore.)

Carl Peterson knows the Packers weren't going to make that trade. And there's certainly no team out there right now who could make such an offer. I think he dangled Johnson to let him know that no one is irreplaceable. It was a negotiating move, and a fine one. But it also indicates that the Chiefs aren't that interested in losing Johnson. They want to make a deal, just their deal. The Kansas City Star says as much Friday. And that's why I think the Chiefs and Johnson will come to an agreement, whether it's in late July or late August. Both sides have too much to lose for any other outcome.

* Tom Curran and I talked about LJ and more in this week's Fantasy Fix.