Larry Johnson rumbling?

[outflow]

**Disclaimer** Conducted a quick search and didn't find anything on top.

Saw the TV rebroadcast of Mike and Mike. Mortensen was a guest talking about how Larry Johnson is not at camp. Basically he threw the Packers out there as a possibility for Johnson if...Priest came back strong and with a week left until the regular season the Chiefs made the decision to shop. Only teams Chris mentioned was the Packers. Thoughts?

If this is discussed already please provide a link, thanks.

[Spaulding]

Would be nice to LJ in a Packers uniform and adding a running dimension we haven't had since Green in 2004 BUT it goes against TT's motto and I don't believe LJ has played in a ZBS before.

With what looks to be a stellar coming year for RB's in the draft (McFadden, Slaton, Hart, etc.) I'd be less apt to take on Johnson and his huge salary requests. Not to mention his potential impact to team chemistry and cost to obtain in draft picks and/or players.

Unless he can be had for a reserve player (Cole, etc.) and maybe a 3rd or late second rounder I don't think it makes much sense.

[BlueBrewer]

I do not see a negative to having a back of LJs caliber in the stable. Even if the price involved a 1st, a conditional pick and a reserve player, he would be worth it. He is as proven as can be, our backs are as unproven as they come, we have the money to sign him. As far as the ZBS argument, have you ever watched him run, he is a one cut back with patience his natural ability would carry him through the learning stage and still be better than a second year in the system Morency. With all that said do I think it will happen, Absolutley not, it makes too much sense.

[Spaulding]

Blue Brewer, respectfully disagree. If you are a playoff team and looking to make it further or aim for the Super Bowl, then sure. But if getting LJ this year only means your team just makes the playoffs and then is out in the 1st round or possibly the second - what's the point?

Going into 2008 you have a back who turns 29, have less money available to sign FA's (given TT doesn't seem to go this route anyways but then again maybe he hits the town drinking and opens up the tight wallet), lose a high draft choice so your chances of improving through the draft in 2008 are lessened, etc.

The team just isn't there yet to make this kind of move, not to mention the idea of the ZBS is have interchangeable running backs not sucking up large salaries that can be used elsewhere on the roster.

Negative, this would not be a good move for a team that is still rebuilding.

[BlueBrewer]

Blue Brewer, respectfully disagree. If you are a playoff team and looking to make it further or aim for the Super Bowl, then sure. But if getting LJ this year only means your team just makes the playoffs and then is out in the 1st round or possibly the second - what's the point?

Going into 2008 you have a back who turns 29, have less money available to sign FA's (given TT doesn't seem to go this route anyways but then again maybe he hits the town drinking and opens up the tight wallet), lose a high draft choice so your chances of improving through the draft in 2008 are lessened, etc.

The team just isn't there yet to make this kind of move, not to mention the idea of the ZBS is have interchangeable running backs not sucking up large salaries that can be used elsewhere on the roster.

Negative, this would not be a good move for a team that is still rebuilding.

Your points are valid, we must agree to disagree. You are right though TT would have to be in a stimulant induced state to spend the kind of money it would take to sign LJ.

[outflow]

Blue Brewer, respectfully disagree. If you are a playoff team and looking to make it further or aim for the Super Bowl, then sure. But if getting LJ this year only means your team just makes the playoffs and then is out in the 1st round or possibly the second - what's the point?

Going into 2008 you have a back who turns 29, have less money available to sign FA's (given TT doesn't seem to go this route anyways but then again maybe he hits the town drinking and opens up the tight wallet), lose a high draft choice so your chances of improving through the draft in 2008 are lessened, etc.

The team just isn't there yet to make this kind of move, not to mention the idea of the ZBS is have interchangeable running backs not sucking up large salaries that can be used elsewhere on the roster.

Negative, this would not be a good move for a team that is still rebuilding.

This is a fine theory, but only under two circumstances.
1.) The current young players do in fact get better and by better I mean substantially better. I could care less if they mature to a point where they perennially are the 7 seed.
2.) TT at some point does in fact open up the wallet to use the cap space either to supplement the "future mature and substantially better team" or a younger more sure bet free agent to revitalize the environment surrounding the team i.e. another Reggie White.

Both of these are not givens at all, just as I believe your theory is not a given. I don't know the answer, but at some point he has to take a gamble.

[BlueBrewer]

Blue Brewer, respectfully disagree. If you are a playoff team and looking to make it further or aim for the Super Bowl, then sure. But if getting LJ this year only means your team just makes the playoffs and then is out in the 1st round or possibly the second - what's the point?

Going into 2008 you have a back who turns 29, have less money available to sign FA's (given TT doesn't seem to go this route anyways but then again maybe he hits the town drinking and opens up the tight wallet), lose a high draft choice so your chances of improving through the draft in 2008 are lessened, etc.

The team just isn't there yet to make this kind of move, not to mention the idea of the ZBS is have interchangeable running backs not sucking up large salaries that can be used elsewhere on the roster.

Negative, this would not be a good move for a team that is still rebuilding.

This is a fine theory, but only under two circumstances.
1.) The current young players do in fact get better and by better I mean substantially better. I could care less if they mature to a point where they perennially are the 7 seed.
2.) TT at some point does in fact open up the wallet to use the cap space either to supplement the "future mature and substantially better team" or a younger more sure bet free agent to revitalize the environment surrounding the team i.e. another Reggie White.

Both of these are not givens at all, just as I believe your theory is not a given. I don't know the answer, but at some point he has to take a gamble.

Well put.

[Spaulding]

I agree as well (not a fan of a slow long term rebuilding plan), but as much as I'd love to see LJ in uniform for us, I'm almost as excited to see how all the young players mesh and develop and how the season progresses.

If TT expects to still have a job this team needs to improve and he will likely at some point have to make a big time FA splash to give us that final edge to achieve in the post season.

My only fear is it's when Favre is noticeably in decline (thankfully not seeing it yet but this may be his last year) or with Rodgers looking pedestrian at the helm.

[BF4MVP]

Pipe dream.

[LL2]

Pipe dream.

True, but GB would go from mediocre prospects to playoff contender overnight. It would be awesome if TT would give LJ a front loaded contract using 10 mil of that unspent cap money. Give LJ 10 mil this year and 10 mil next year. LJ would do more for GB than Moss would have ever done.

[MJZiggy]

Then what are you gonna resign Williams (et al) with?

[LL2]

Then what are you gonna resign Williams (et al) with?

Funny money!

[Brandon494]

LJ is too old and has taken a pounding the last few seasons. Wait til next sign when we'll sign Micheal Turner!

[ND72]

LJ is too old and has taken a pounding the last few seasons. Wait til next sign when we'll sign Micheal Turner!

Johnson turns 28 this year...only his 4th NFL season

[Guiness]

Heh - the other guy in KC is more likely to land here than LJ.

When KC signs LJ (they will) Priest Holmes is let go, and he's more likely to end up here than LJ.