Breaking News: Gonzalez Traded To Falcons

The Atlanta Falcons have traded for TE Tony Gonzalez for a 2nd round draft pick in the 2010 draft. If there was anywhere Gonzalez was going to go I thought it was Atlanta. Matt Ryan has to be doing backflips right now, because he just got one of (if not the) best TE in all of football. Is he getting older? Yes, but don't doubt for the next 2-3 season Gonzalez can help the Falcons. With the running attack they already have, the heads up play of Ryan, all they really needed on offense was a sure handed pass catcher, and they sure got one of those today.

Gonzalez caught 96 passes for 1,058 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2008. He has been a Chief his whole career collecting 916 receptions, 10,940 yards receiving, 76 TDs receiving and 26 100-yard receiving games. Great pickup for the up and coming Falcons.

Tony Gonzalez To Eagles?

"While the Atlanta Falcons were thought to be the leading candidate to land Tony Gonzalez in trade, a new team has emerged as a possible destination as draft day fast approaches. According to Don Banks of SI.com, the Philadelphia Eagles are now the front-runners to land Gonzo, and the offer on the table is a third-round pick (ESPN)."

McNabb would love to have a guy like this on his team, and since the Eagles are getting older (McNabb, Westbrook, ect) their window to win it all is closing. It will be interesting to see if the Cheifs will take this, since they are looking for a 2nd round pick, and they probably won't mind keeping around Gonzalez to help Cassel convert to the Chiefs offense. Something still tells me that Gonzalez is going to the Falcons or no where at all, but this certainly also makes sense.

Tony Gonzalez To Atlanta

"With a need to acquire a pass-catching tight end before the 2009 season begins, the Atlanta Falcons hosted then-free agent L.J. Smith earlier this offseason, but he left town without signing a contract and later agreed to terms with the Baltimore Ravens. With the need still there, a new rumor has gained steam that Tony Gonzalez may be headed to Atlanta next season, as reported by Michael Lombardi of the National Football Post (ESPN)."

The Falcons seem to be willing to give up their 2nd round pick (55th overall) the the Chiefs for Gonzalez. For Atlanta this makes a lot of sense. They don't really have a true TE, and Matt Ryan could really build off a great 2008 if he had that kind of talent at TE. So, I guess it comes down to whether or not Gonzalez thinks the Falcons have a legit shot at winning it all. I question their defense, but their offense could be extremely good (especially if they add him). The Chiefs should take this deal if offered, since Gonzalez wants out, and a 2nd round pick is right about what he is worth.

Gonzalez Still Wants Trade

"Contrary to remarks by Kansas City owner Clark Hunt, Tony Gonzalez wants to be traded if the right deal can be made, a person close to the Pro Bowl tight end told the Associated Press on Tuesday (Sportsline)."

I am not sure of the market for Gonzalez, but if there is a team willing to take him on and give up a middle round draft pick then the Chiefs should do it. Gonzalez has given it his all while with the Chiefs, and he just wants a chance to go to the playoffs. The Chiefs are still a couple years away from being a real threat, and I think stock piling draft picks is always a good idea, so they should really look into this. Still, in the end I see him staying with the Chiefs and helping Cassel in his first season away from the Patriots.

Trade Idea Taking Flight?

"Unimpressed by the Kansas City Chiefs' hiring of Scott Pioli as the new general manager, tight end Tony Gonzalez still wants a trade (Yahoo)."

Yesterday I put the idea out there of the Patriots trading Cassel to the Chiefs for a 2nd (or 3rd) round pick and Tony Gonzalez. Seems to be making even more sense today, since Tony wants a chance at a Super Bowl, and knows that he has no shot while playing for KC.

"It seems like we're rebuilding anyway, and I don't want to do that. I don't know that I want to do that any more than I already have been (ESPN)."

The Patriots may be able to find a better deal, but I am not as sold as many of our readers that there are going to be teams willing to give up 1st round picks for Cassel. Still, the chance of this happening is small, as there are a lot of teams interested in Tony Gonzalez's services including the Giants, Packers, and Bills. The Packers have already come out and offered a 3rd round pick for him. We'll keep you posted.

A Cassel Trade Thought...

There will be endless rumors about where Cassel might go, but there is one that stuck out to me... Cassel to KC for Tony Gonzalez and a 2nd (or 3rd) round pick. There are very few player for player deals that work out, but I think this one makes sense for both sides. The Patriots need depth on defense, so adding another pick is a must. The Chiefs obviously have the Pioli connection to Cassel, and they would only be giving up a 2nd (or 3rd) round pick, plus Tony Gonzalez who is at the tail end of his career. The Patriots would love to add a guy like Gonzalez to their offense, since Watson can never stay healthy, and it will give Brady just one more target on an already amazing offense. If the Pats were able to unload Cassel's franchise tag they would have plenty of room to have Gonzalez, and sign all of their draft picks.

Just a thought, but I really think this makes a lot of sense...