BU54

LJ on their mind?
Chiefs appear to be planning to draft a running back to back up or replace Johnson.
By ADAM TEICHER
The Kansas City Star

Maybe the Chiefs are truly concerned about Larry Johnson’s welfare. Perhaps it’s a sign they believe he is ready to hold out or they’re preparing to trade him.

Or it could be just something as simple as the Chiefs doing their predraft homework.

Whatever the reason, they met this week at Arrowhead Stadium with at least four of the higher-profile running backs available in the coming draft: California’s Marshawn Lynch, Ohio State’s Antonio Pittman, Florida State’s Lorenzo Booker and Louisville’s Kolby Smith.

Oklahoma’s Adrian Peterson, widely considered the top running back available in the draft, did not visit with the Chiefs this week. Neither did some of the other top runners, including Arizona’s Chris Henry, Auburn’s Kenny Irons, Penn State’s Tony Hunt and Alabama’s Kenneth Darby.

The Chiefs were unavailable Thursday to speak about their motives. But the agents for all of the players said the Chiefs told them they planned to draft a running back in an early round.

“They’ve put that out there,” said Smith’s agent, Jerrold Colton. “They said they want the running-back duties shared a little more to save the wear and tear on (Johnson).”

That part makes sense. Johnson was the busiest NFL back ever last season when he set a league record with 416 carries, and coach Herm Edwards has said he would like to reduce the burden on Johnson.

Edwards also indicated recently there was a good chance the Chiefs would draft another running back.

FULL STORY
www.kansascity.com | 04/20/2007 | LJ on their mind?

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Then Brett Favre Retired...

Serrated Shadow

They're just looking for a backup. No way they replace LJ, unless Priest Holmes comes back...

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exide99ride

Even If Priest Holmes comes back I don't beleive he would bump LJ. The Chiefs must be looking for a back up. Why would you let someone like LJ get away especially since his salary for 2007 is only $800,000.

Serrated Shadow

I was joking, actually.

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Professor

well exide, the first line of the article says volumes, a possible holdout, for all we know LJ may have made it known to herm or others that he is not happy making 800,000 and deserves more. This could be interesting and something definitely to watch.

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P-Rez25

he has played enough games to void out the last 2 years of his deal, so LJ might be a potential FA after this year. thats why the Chiefs are gonna A. draft a another RB for insurance or B. deal Johnson now while his value is still high. what a blow that would be to the Chiefs if he was to be traded.....

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Serrated Shadow

If the Chiefs are smart they'll pay him and re-build his o-line. They'd never get equal value for him, unless they get an offer of Herschel Walker proportions.

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