Tony Gonzalez Traded By Chiefs To Falcons!

[...] The Kansas City Chiefs have dealt Pro Bowl TE Tony Gonzalez to Atlanta in return for a second-round pick in the 2010 draft. [...]

a-men brother

I have never thought Tony would have his stats if he had spent his career with a team that had choices on who they could throw the ball at.

And, unlike MOST of y'all in here, ever since Tony's first contract, I've thought that was an awful lot of dough for TE. I've wanted KC to trade him for YEARS. Maybe if you have a SB ring in hand, and your TE caught the winning catch in the last 5 minutes of 3 or 4 playoff games, yeah, but even THEN, there's probably more value for your team to trade such a player to some team that's greedy for gaudy stats.

So WHAT if he deserves to be in the top 5 of players at his position? The position was overvalued! Especially if your top 5-paid guy took 10 years to learn how to block! With 2 or 3 years left to him, KC scored by securing a 2nd-rounder.

So MY impression of Tony is quite a bit more jaundiced than most. Sorry, Tony fans. Much respect to you. It's just always seemed like the team existed to get Tony money and stats and NOT that Tony existed to get the Chiefs a ring. I'd speak differently if his likely HOF career were accompanied by a ring (or at least a lot more playoff wins!).

I must admit, when I heard the 2nd-rounder was for next year (and that there was still no word of a trade-down, in which I thought Tony's trade might play a role), I was a bit deflated, but I'm a fan who wants us to win YESTERDAY, not 2 years from now. But that kind of fan attitude in GMs leads to draft-day reaches that HAVE to pan out in order for the whole house of cards to remain standing.

So, after a little bit to consider it, I see the 2nd-round going for Cassel and another 2nd-rounder back in KC's hands. So at this point, the new crew has removed all questions at QB and has zeroed-out the draft-pick balance.

A much lower-paid player can catch a few balls and become instrumental in the running game, and there's money left over to keep one-and-a-half more quality linemen in the rotation!

And look at the Engram pick. The Ricky Proehl kind of guy who gets overlooked by the defense, but will make the catch if he can get his hands on it. I think we all agree that Bowe is the kind of fierce WR who brings quality to his side. On the other side, I think the Chiefs should be biased toward speed and hands. Not necessarily size, but more a constant irritant to safeties. Somebody who WILL get behind you and once there, is uncatchable.

Gump and Matthill: You've said a number of things I no longer have to say. Thx. Not enough short-term memory left to respond to y'all, but enough of an impression to share a couple things I didn't see.

When your team struggles for years, and you're one of the highest-paid players on the team, the spotlight is GOING to pick out your blemishes.

The old regime would always fold and pay its high-profile stars first, and then give a BUNCH of key player's the bum's rush. I loved #58, but his sweet contracts always came at the expense of somebody else on the team. He was Neil Smith's compadre, but it was Neil who went on to a SB in Denver. Tony always got top dollar, and he wasn't a complete player, in the team sense. And, quite frankly, after years of watching great catches in losing games, the fact is that Tony never could lift the team on his shoulders and WILL us to victory by being unstoppable at crunch-time.

Doesn't matter if it were his fault or not. Fact is, though, you can get a whole lot more offense for his money, than the Chiefs have been able to consistently put up, during Tony's presence in KC.

This years draft class is horrible, next years is already a better pool of talent. There are articles everywhere about how lame this years draft class is overall.

Deep in LB and OT talent and a few minor bright spots outside of that. Why not get a 2nd RD pick in a draft with more talent? Better in the long run than a second this year. It is going to take a little time to fix this mess fellas !! Build a team !!!

you know what i don't understand. every coach has a scheme that he prefers to use in his offense/ deffense. What the hell is the difference! Throw the ball to the player that is open or run the ball or tackle the guy that has the ball when your on deffense

haley is a douche bag he looks and smells the part!his offense isn't worth a fuck without two pro bowl recievers, and an o-line; kansas city has none of those.good job staff

Sorry, I just don't get how any coach worth a shit would not want a player of Tony's caliber on his team? Only an arrogant, incompetent coach would argue that Tony Gonzalez wouldn't fit "his" offensive scheme. Good coaches know how to use good players.

Those are just a couple of the reasons why I say this has the high stench of being personal.

This also screams to me that the "big plan" for this team, this year is to not compete. As a competitive guy, I have a real hard time swallowing that. As a consumer, why should I pay good money for something that is clearly intended to be of sub-standard quality?

Tony gets it. So do I.

I was happy about this trade when I thought it was for this years second rounder. I'm not so happy now that it is for next years.

i hate that crap about Tony 'wanting to go to team that wants to win'...as if the Chiefs don't WANT to win? Tony's value is as high now as it will ever be (not as high as it's been, but it'll only go down from here).

He's still got value as a player, and could have been a great asset for Cassell, but I feel like I gotta trust the people who are paid to handle personnel issues (namely, Pioli - who MOST of us drooled over at the end of last season, remember), with the understanding that a player's role in the locker room, and with the press, are key components to the success of a franchise, particularly when a player has been THE leader and THE 'face' of the franchise for an extended period of time.

As for retiring his number, I hope we do. I'm assuming that Tony will sign a 1-day contract so that he retires, and goes into the HOF, as a Chief, and when that happens, I think KC should begin the ceremony planning to put his name on the ring of honor at Arrowhead.

The other issue that I can't wrap my head around is people being pissed about not getting a pick for this year...what the hell difference does it make? Is one 3rd round pick (next year's 2nd equates to a 3rd this year) really going to make the difference between going to the playoffs or not? ...and keep this in mind - a 6-win season TRIPLES the win total from last year, and would be a marked improvement. I think we need to keep our expectations for this season in check a little bit.

I am of the opinion that next year's 2nd is a much greater value than a 3rd rounder this year, because Pioli and Haley (along with an entirely new scouting department, probably) will have had a year to evaluate the players who are already in-house, and those we draft/trade for this weekend, and will be in a better position to pick a player who fits their long-term plan.

I'm all for being passionate as fans, but guys, we're just fans, let the pros do their job, and THEN we'll judge them based on their performance.

I'm not putting hte blame on Tony, but I don't think you can put the blame on Haily either. Tony wanted out last year, which I am fine with. He has been a great player for us for years and I say "go get yours," to him, but that is not gonna happen in ATL. I think what upsets all of us so much is that we felt he was worth a second rounder this year. But if he and Haily don't see eye to eye then this is what is best for everyone. In all honesty he was not winning us a SB in the next two years. Makes Saturday even more exciting and important.

Heads up to all. Make sure you sign up for NFL Network before the season starts. You're gonna need it to watch home games.

The best part of this is that KC got ATL’s 2010 pick, betting (correctly I believe) that last year’s success in Atlanta will not be duplicated. Just look at the schedule…

In 2008, Atlanta played the AFC West (which didn’t a team with a winning record and an overall record of 23-41) and the NFC North (25-39). In 2009, they play the AFC East (which had an 11-5 team miss the playoffs and an overall record of 38-26) and the NFC East (38-26).

Atlanta will pick at #24 on Saturday. I would be very surprised if they aren’t picking in the first half of the 2010 draft. Pioli is betting that this pick is somewhere around 40, rather than 50. Great move.

What makes no "sence" to me is people blaming and trashing Tony. Has Tony complained? Yeah. Has he earned the right to complain? Yeah. Has any of that ever translated over to his commitment to team success, his commitment to personal success or in any way lessened him as a contributor on the field? Not once. Quite the opposite actually. Sorry, I can't and won't allow anyone to put this thing on Tony. Maybe one day you'll see the light.

Unless Pioli doesn't like this years prospects and also thinks he'll have better scouts next year.

But yea, the no immediate impact part really sucks.

I really hope we trade down and pick up Tyson Jackson and then LB, OL, or WR.

Anyone who thinks that Atlanta will duplicate last season's success is an idiot (Tony included). Atlanta played the AFC West and NFC North last season. This year they play the AFC and NFC East teams. That alone will keep them from another 11 win season. Let's not forget that their all-world quarterback through a total of 14 touchdowns in a full season. WOW, that's something extraordinary! And their defense still stinks! Anyone want to try to argue that Mike Smith is a good coach? C'mon. Good luck Tony. Come back and play backup in two years when KC is competing for the Super Bowl for "the next three or four years" and you're tired of sitting on a beach during the off-season.

Do not like it at all. We should have gotten something this year. My only hope is that we have a trade down from #3 already worked out and this is part of it!!!

Didn't we turn down a 2nd this year from Atlanta about two weeks ago---makes no sense!!

It makes no sence to say that this trade happened because of Haily. Tony wanted out last year and unless he can see into the future had no idea who was gonna be the head coach. DD you need to given your head a shake. Just because he did not give up last year and walk his routes does not make him committed. He was thinking "paycheck" and maybe he helped the Chiefs a little by not looking like a complete asshole. I say he is still the best TE we have ever had, and one of the premere players in the league. I am not happy that we got a second rounder next year for him but it is what it is. ATL will not win a SB in the next two years and neither would we have. I have to agree with Randy, he wanted out last year and wasn't commited to what the Chiefs were doing.

Awesome Randy! It is a cold day in hell when a PI and INA agree.

Remember everyone, Tony wanted out way before Pioli and Haley were even with this team.

Redneck, keep spreading the Chiefs love worldwide.

Thanks for what you are doing for us Redneck. Our Country I mean.

^^^Word. G'luck in Baghdad.

I put my Tony G jersey in the bottom of my drawer last year. I guess Im not seeing Tonys attitude relating to our new management in anyway but just a carry over from last years outlook and another opportunity to try and get out of KC. Again.

I've been around.

Wow, talk about a sad day. I'm currently sitting in Baghdad keeping an eye on my Chiefs just to run across this before going to bed. I have taken Tony's jersey to Kosovo, Afghanistan, Germany, and Iraq. Lots of great memories and I'm sure a few people will be glad that they wont be hearing me scream TONY G on Sundays.

Now, on to the actual details. A second round pick is what we wanted and thats what we got. 2010 is not a bad deal and I wont be surprised at all if we dont deal that pick here this Saturday. I do believe that this will push the value of Crabtree and Coffman on our draft board.

Sad about today, but going to be getting excited here for this Saturday!

God damn DD. If you're not apart of KC's front office then what you're saying holds no weight. It's rocket science trying to figure out how you come up with such adamant conclusions.

Well now we know that the Chiefs are gonna get Crabtree and that makes the most since because theres not a defender worth taking at 3. I can understand Gonzo for a 2nd rounder this year but next years pick? Atlanta is going to be that much better and have a lower 2nd round pick in 2010.

Tony wasn't happy (and neither was anyone) about the direction of the team in the last couple years...he's loyal to the Hunt family and the community, but not to Carl and Herm who screwed him over last year. Pioli and Haley may be righting the ship, but lets face it...this team ain't close. Being loyal for 12 years and getting nowhere in the playoffs due to how the team was built (not his control) is enough for me. He has every right to request the team move him somewhere where he can have a shot. That shouldn't be taken as an attitude problem.

This is tragic. I don't know how anyone can say the Chiefs got a good deal. They should have gotten a day 2 pick this year as well as next year's 2nd. BS!

What I'm saying is the only reason why Tony doesn't want to be here is because Haley obviously doesn't respect him. The same thing keeps happening everywhere Haley shows up. He disrespects and pisses players off to the point that they don't want to play for him. Has nothing to do with being committed to KC, or committed the Chiefs, whatever. Tony didn't kiss ass and was run off as a result, plain and simple. There is nothing more here than a "human relations" issue. It is not rocket science to figure out people.

Don't be surprised to see Brian Waters be the next to leave. Net result? Our best two players gone as a result of a coaching change. Is the picture becoming any clearer yet?

Oh, and LJ? As somebody devoid of both character and backbone, I fully expect to see him towing whatever line Haley requires of him.

Jeremy who would have thought that a personal injury attorney and an auto claims adjuster could ever agree on anything but RIGHT ON!!

Haley wouldnt be an NFL coach if his dad wasnt a member of the NFL coaches country club and oh wait he was an integral part of a SUPERBOWL WINNING TEAM too I think.

You guys need to settle down. Cassel isn't going to be one of the bottom 5 quarterbacks in the league. You are overreacting. Pioli is planning for the future and I have no problem with that.

I think we are forgetting that Haley doesn't really utilize the TE that much in his offensive scheme. I think Cottom is going to be just fine. Maybe we will take a look at Coffman? I like the kid from Iowa- Myers also but I've obviously biased :-)We don't have to have an all-pro TE now. Sure it would be nice but its not a necessity.

This is a good deal for both sides. I just hope the Falcons make the playoffs and give TG a chance. I hope this deal doesn't come back to bite him in the butt. That would be unfortunate.

All these comments mirror emotions that one would feel when breaking up with your best girl..... 1) reminscing and 2) anger.

Eventually acceptance will come around and we will all be singing "cumbaya my lord" after the Chiefs' first win.

Randy and I will be first in line for Tony's Hall of Fame acceptance speech, but we have a right, as loyal Chiefs fans, to be angry with Tony's (what we believed to be) betrayal.

LOL! GO CHIEFS!!!

I respect the man 'cause he did great things in AZ with their offense. You're right he hasn't done anything yet...except win in AZ and help a lot of WR's to their best years. The best thing you can do is be positive and hope-full. But you have to give him a break, he hasn't done anything bad yet, and he's a WR guru of some sorts. So at least he's going to help Bowe and the other get better.

Not all coaches were great players or players at that.

What you people are missing is this is what he WANTED! LET HIM GO!

Ok...I just threw up in my mouth! This really pisses me off! A second for next year!?! What the hell are we going to do about this year? THIS YEAR!!!!

Tony I will miss watching you play man! I hope he gets the ring he deserved!

Oh poor Tony, double d. Lets keep him on the payroll because he's been so loyal for all these years! Never mind that he isnt 100% committed anymore. You cant tell me that he is 100% committed to being a Chief anymore he isnt. Im not tearing him down. His attitude changed. Committed players arent "mind dead nazis". Now thats a crock of shit, thats as extreme as you can get. You deal with the present, and presently he wants to play for another team. Let him and lets get someone who wants to be a Chief.

Somebody please tell me exactly what Haley has done as a head coach to garner any respect? How many games has he won? How many times has he lined up opposite a cover corner? How many times has he taken on linebackers? Taken down passes in front of safeties itching to take his head off? What kind of numbers did Haley put up in college - and no, I don't mean on the golf course. The only reason Todd Haley has a head coaching job in the NFL is because his father was a member of the NFL coaches country club. He would be an NFL nobody if it weren't for that. Time will tell . . . and prove me right.

I dont understand the 2010 pick but at least we got something for him while we could. Another scenario would have been wait for Week 6, let Tony show he still gots the skills, then trade him to a team that desperately needs a TE but it still would have been a 2010 pick, 2nd round at best. Fellas its probably the best deal we would have got either way.

I thought you people were Chiefs fans. The guy asked for a trade during a shitty(the diarrhea kind) regime after he had worked his ass off and done amazing things for 13 years. Has he ever done anything else to offend you people?

I hate to say it I really do 'cause lord knows I'm immature sometimes, but a few of you need to grow up. Or go sit in timeout.

RandyK says "We need players who love KC, love being a Chief, and are 100% committed to getting us to a Superbowl."

What a crock of shit. Shame on you and anyone else who would use such words to tear down the greatest TE the game has ever seen. The problem is not Tony. He proved that last year just like he's done his entire professional career. If Haley can't appreciate what Tony brings than to Hell with Haley.

The way I see it, all Haley is interested in is a bunch of mind-dead Nazis who know how to shout Zeig Heil whenever he's around. Sorry guys, there's no other way to paint this other than u-g-l-y.

Of course we retire his number. He's like the 2nd or 3rd best Chiefs player ever! He wanted to win thats all! Thats like saying if GB should retire Favre's number...Come on fellas! Let's not be sour about TG leaving us. The only reason he went to the Falcons is because of the Patriot connection. ATL's GM was previously under Pioli in NE so it has to be former coworkers and GOOD friends helping each other out. Did it cross anyones mind that this may have to with us getting Cassell and Vrabel for just a 2nd rounder?

I know the Chiefs are going to retire his number, but this puts a stain on it in my mind.

I missed the part about retiring his number. ARE YOU CRAZY. Should we retire the number of one of, if not the greatest TE of all time just because he asked to get traded last year during the old regime. Wow.