Larry Johnson hold out? “50-50″

Update: If you’re looking for a newer post, check out this one: Chiefs Must Brace for the Worst Regarding Larry Johnson; Consider Trades (Date: June22)

The Kansas City Chiefs are expected to be bracing for yet another blow; according to at least one source, the team is preparing for the worst: a Larry Johnson holdout. Evidently, a team official close to the situation put the odds on the holdout at 50-50, which is anything but heartening news.

Johnson is scheduled to make $1.85 million this year and $967,000 next year. The Chiefs have been talking to Johnson’s agent about a new deal, but they are far from reaching a solution.

And with a Trent Green trade looming on the horizon, it appears the Chiefs could begin the 2007 season without last season’s starting quarterback, running back, or star guard (Will Shields retirement). Not that a deal won’t get done; after all, can the Chiefs go through next season without Johnson? He was personally responsible for more than 50% of the load last season when he set a record for carries (416).

A trade is not impossible either, though it is unlikely. Rumors were circulating before the draft — the team publicly denied them — that Johnson would be traded for a combination of early-mid round draft choices. Draft day came and went without a trade, but the Chiefs still have not filled all their needs. That said, trading Johnson will present them with a need they definitely do not want: Pro Bowl running back.

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