Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Tony Gonzalez News

I haven't heard much about Gonzo to the Eagles this offseason. Until now. Don Banks of SI.com has a blurb up about the situation:

• The buzz about the Chiefs resuming their attempts to trade veteran tight end Tony Gonzalez has restarted, and it sounds as if the Eagles might have nosed ahead of the Falcons as the most likely trade partner. Philly is thought to be willing to give up a third-rounder for Gonzalez. But Kansas City is seeking at least a second-round pick for a player it considers a future Hall of Famer, and may not be willing to bear the brunt of any criticism that could come if it's perceived to have given away Gonzalez too cheaply.


http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/don_banks/04/22/snaps/1.html

I can tell you right now that the Eagles will not deal a 2nd rounder for Tony. Just won't happen. Honestly, I'm surprised they are offering a 3rd. I like the idea. Gonzo would be a great addition to the offense. He would also give us a quality veteran presence and RZ threat. This is a deep, talented TE class, but none of them is a Hall of Famer. I'd take Tony for a 3rd.

The Eagles are talking to teams about acquiring veteran players. The fit has to be right and the cost has to be right. Let's hope we can work something out with KC.
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5 comments:

ZackISM said...

Tommy,

On the Brown situation (or this could be applied to the Lito situation)....Wouldn't it make sense maybe to renegotiate their deals down to one year "prove it" deals. The player then isn't under contract for many more season. The Eagles would get compensation if they signed huge deals elsewhere (via Compensation Picks - assuming they are part of the new CBA). So essentially, the player gets a shot at another big deal, the Eagles get a chance to have a motivated player one more year, and if the player bolts, the Eagles would benefit with the comp pick (I mean it's not like we would have gotten much less for Lito in this method). Thoughts?

Tommy Lawlor said...

That is an interesting idea. Lynch can chime in with whether it is feasible in terms of contracts and that angle.

I still don't think the Eagles like the thought of players being able to fight their way out of contracts. Lurie/Banner/Reid have to do everything while thinking of 53 guys. The player is focused on himself and that's it. Also, players don't renegotiate when they underachieve. Teams can cut the players, but are still on the hook for the bonus. Think the Eagles would like to have re-done Kearse's deal?

I understand the frustrations of the player, but I'm not sure there is a fair solution to everyone. You can't have contractual anarchy. At some point, you have to play out your deal...like it or not.

Everything has to be done with the team in mind. That's great for the organization and us fans, but it doesn't feel good to the player who thinks he's being contractually "held hostage".

I'm still waiting for someone to hold me hostage, be it Jessica Biel or Joe Banner. Joe can do it with a contract. I'll let Jessica choose how she does it.

Cliff said...

A 2nd rounder? The Chiefs are smoking some good stuff. I'm also surprised the Eagles would be willing to offer a 3rd.

We still need a RB. If we make this move and lose our 3rd, we'll have #21 and #53 to find a quality RB to spell and then replace Westbrook. We will now most likely need to find a starting-caliber CB with one of those picks, too. #85 might be too much to give up.

Unknown said...

I'm not sure I like the idea of dealing a 3rd for Gonzo, how many years can he have left in the tank? Future hall of famer or no, a 3rd rounder for 1 or 2 years of play is a steep price in my mind.

arby said...

I'm relieved Atlanta took him. He's already on record saying he's going to play one, maybe two years. I guess he would have been worth a 3rd if we're thinking of Donovan's "window".