Rotoworld reports that NFL Network’s Adam Schefter has confirmed that the Chiefs have had “general trade discussions” regarding Larry Johnson with the Browns, Bills, Titans, and Packers. Interesting, because Johnson carried that team and offense on his back last season, setting an NFL record by carrying 416 times; trading him would essentially destroy any chances at the playoffs, especially with the retirement of guard Will Shields.

Rotoworld suspects that “the Chiefs are willing to deal Johnson for multiple picks, and not necessarily a first-rounder” because Kansas City has many holes to fill. Unfortunately, this draft will definitely not yield a running back of Johnson’s caliber, a workhorse who can carry 25 times every week. With no real solution at quarterback — Huard? c’mon — and the most conservative coach in the NFL, can the Chiefs risk trading one of the top 3 runners in the NFL for some draft picks? The answer is “no.”

Kansas City is in the most competitive division in the league, the AFC West. Forget about the Raiders for a moment and consider that the Chiefs have a shot at the title. Denver will be the frontrunner to win, but San Diego has replaced one of the greatest regular season coaches ever, Marty Schottenheimer, with Norv Turner, a coach who doesn’t deserve to be a head coach for one of the league’s most talented teams. If the Chiefs trade Johnson, they will be sacrificing a season and great shot at the playoffs.

But let’s assume for the moment that they are willing to make a trade. All four teams mentioned by Schefter are in grave need of a running back, and with Michael Turner unlikely to be traded, Johnson presents an interesting situation.

Green Bay needs a running back to replace Ahman Green and take pressure off Brett Favre. Imagine if the Packers could land Johnson and give Brett Favre his best asset since Sterling Sharpe in the early 1990s. It would be a great send-off to a hall of fame quarterback, not to mention that the Packers could potentially run away with the division while the Vikings and Lions continue to struggle and Chicago deals with “Murphy’s Law” and a Super Bowl hangover.

The Browns are rumored to be drafting Adrian Peterson at 3rd overall, so don’t expect them to make a big move to grab Johnson. Tennessee and Buffalo, on the other hand, represent desperation. Neither team has a suitable running back, especially the Bills who tied their hands when they traded Willis McGahee.

One of the previously mentioned teams will also likely walk away with rookie Marshawn Lynch in the draft.

Keep an eye on this story, as it will really mess with the draft and fantasy potentials.

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