Larry Johnson not long for K.C.
"Special Master" Stephen Burbank ruled Monday that the Chiefs are no longer on the hook for any guaranteed money to Larry Johnson over the next two years.
Would the Chiefs have gone through the trouble of filing the grievance if they wanted to keep LJ around in 2009? The Kansas City Star doesn’t think so.
Johnson has spent the past five months griping about everything from his diminished role in the spread offense to his discomfort with living in Kansas City. Throw in the risk of suspension to open the season, and the new regime figures to wash their hands of the malcontent while they have the chance.
Considering Scott Pioli’s experience with the Patriots, OC Chan Gailey’s “pistol” spread success last season, and coach Todd Haley’s utilization of multiple receiver sets in Arizona, the Chiefs are a good bet to maintain a spread-heavy offense again in 2009. Matt Cassel thrived out of the shotgun last season as well, which only increases the likelihood.
Last year’s second-round pick Jamaal Charles, who has already taken over passing down duties, is perfectly suited for the spread offense. While the cupboard is bare behind Charles, the Chiefs could shore up the position in the third or fourth round with a back such as Alabama’s Glen Coffee, Michigan St.’s Javon Ringer, or Virginia’s Cedric Peerman.
The Chiefs may wait until after the draft to make a move on LJ, but either way he’s likely to get his wish: a one-way ticket out of K.C.
Comments
I resent you and your bare cupboard.
Posted by: kolby smith | April 6, 2009 02:43 PM
prob another good re-draft spot for a rookie running back. i see larry gone and another slaton-esque back, like chris mentions, comming in and performing well. pioli knows how to draft need.
Posted by: scott c | April 6, 2009 03:32 PM
btw.. is the term run-and-shoot dead? it seems to only be termed 'spread' now.
Posted by: scott c | April 6, 2009 03:33 PM
If they cut ties with LJ, does that make Charles the starter? What would that do to Charles' ranking? Would the Chiefs bring in competition, or just depth?
Posted by: Reaper | April 6, 2009 03:39 PM
Where does LJ end up?
Cardinals, Browns, Eagles, Texans, Chargers, Bengals, Jets, Seahawks would all be candidates I think.
Pretty much a guarantee the Chiefs bring in some competition for Charles, might see Scott Pioli dealing down and getting some extra picks, definately in the 2nd round...
Posted by: Tommy | April 6, 2009 04:37 PM
Kolby,
You and your 3.4 career YPC are as pedestrian as pedestrian gets.
After your knee injury, you're probably as explosive as the 2007-2008 version of Rudi Johnson.
Posted by: Chris Wesseling | April 6, 2009 04:50 PM
ouch wess...
hmm, id say LJ would end up in NO if he got cut. how interesting would that be?! well, maybe not, but still a possibility.
Posted by: scott c | April 6, 2009 04:53 PM