The Green Bay Packers have reportedly made an offer to acquire running back Larry Johnson from the Kansas City Chiefs. (Scout.com has the full details, but a premium membership is required.)

Because we do not know the full details, let’s assume that Green Bay offered a combination of draft picks: an early draft choice — first or second round — and a mid-rounder or two. At this point the Chiefs are planning to use the draft to add depth and youth to their aging veteran squad. An earlier report by Rotoworld analyzed the situation and came away thinking the Chiefs might not even push to get a first round draft choice.

Green Bay is playing coy to the situation. The truth is, the Packers need a running back, or they risk struggling through 2007 because Vernand Morency cannot make the impact necessary to help carry the Packers to the playoffs. Larry Johnson, on the other hand, is a threat to defenses, someone who can take pressure off Brett Favre.

But this offer does not guarantee the Packers will walk away with Johnson. He will draw more offers, specifically from the Buffalo Bills and Tennessee Titans. Both teams are in a more desperate situation than Green Bay. While the Packers can at least fall back on Morency, neither of the other two suitors have a running back who can start in 2007.

Expect a trade to happen within the next few days, leading up to the draft. Do not expect Kansas City to wait until after the draft to close a deal. The goal is for the Chiefs to walk away with several more draft picks they can use Saturday and Sunday to add depth and talent to the roster. If a deal isn’t made before the early half of the weekend, don’t expect one to develop at all.

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