RUMOR OF GREEN BAY OFFER FOR L.J. IS OFF THE MARK
Though 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.
Nor should he. Running backs are largely interchangeable. Unless a team has a chance to land the next Barry Sanders or Jim Brown, there's no reason to pay huge money to a player who is at any given moment an awkward hit away from becoming just a guy.
Larry Johnson is currently one of the best running backs in the NFL, but he's not one of the best ever. If he was, the Chiefs wouldn't be shopping him.
Dollar for dollar, the Packers would be far smarter to take their chances at No. 16 on Marshawn Lynch, or in a later round on someone else.
__________________
from NFL Films at SB41: Colts defensive line coach John Teerlinck can be heard saying: '' Stay alive on this guy. He's scared to death.'' ... that "guy" is Turnoverasaurus Rex Grossman.
|