Is Tony Gonzalez worth the Falcons’ 2nd-round pick?
The Internet and sports talk radio were buzzing Monday about the possibility of the Falcons trading for All-Pro tight end Tony Gonzalez.
According to the National Football Post, the Falcons “are seriously considering” sending a second-round pick (No. 55 overall) to the Chiefs for the 33-year-old tight end.
The AJC’s D. Orlando Ledbetter looked into the rumors and found nothing concrete, but says things could “percolate” into something.
Gonzalez caught 96 passes for 1,058 yards and 10 touchdowns last season.
The Falcons’ top tight end Justin Peelle caught 15 passes for 159 yards and two touchdowns.
Would this be a good move for the Falcons?
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174 comments Add your comment
BP
April 13th, 2009
11:03 pm
Those in fear of this transaction… here’s the “who’s who”, the all-star list… yes, it’s the #55 pick in the NFL draft for the last 10 years. A few decent dudes… but I’m not fearing the opportunity cost of losing this type player:
2008 Ray Rice, RB, Ruters/Balt
2007 Josh Wilson, CB, Maryl/Seattle
2006 Andrew Wilson T LSU/Cinci
2005 Roscoe Parris, WR, UM/Buff
2004 Greg Jones, RB, FSU/Jax
2003 Bryan Scott SS PSU/Atlanta
2002 Doug Jolley, TE BYU/Oak
2001 Quinton Caver, LB Ark/Philly
2000 Fred Robbins, DT Wake/Minn
1999 Soloman Page, G WVU/Dall
Coon-Dawg
April 13th, 2009
11:05 pm
No … Take Pettigrew 1st to finish offense. Spend the rest of draft on D !
Baby Apple in Savannah
April 13th, 2009
11:07 pm
Bring him right on in “You Bethcha”
chuck
April 13th, 2009
11:11 pm
Please MAKE THE TRADE NOW!!! If TG caught 96 passes from KC qbs then imagine what he will do with Ryan and a solid running game we have.
Frank Simmons
April 13th, 2009
11:24 pm
Do it. Gonzales has three more good years in him and the birds are a couple of players away from the Super Bowl.
Professor K
April 13th, 2009
11:30 pm
I say make the trade now! This is a no brainer. We can’t have a team full of rookies and second year players. We have to have some veterans here and there. One pick does not make or break the team and a draft is full of maybees anyway. Tony Gonzalez makes Matt Ryan a pro bowl qb. Not only that, but if he gives us three years, Matt will be going into his 5th year as qb and will not feel the blow of him leaving as much as you guys think. Having a veteran at some positions are key to a teams success. Thats why you get guys like Turner instead of Mcfadden and Gonzo instead of a rookie tight end. And by the way, if we dont get Pettigrew, I don’t think any of these other tight ends are ready to start right now anyway. TD probably will still draft a TE in this draft he likes late and groom him to start in three years, just a thought…
nativefalcon
April 13th, 2009
11:46 pm
I would rather for a 3rd round pick or like give them Jamal Anderson and a 7th for him. But I would trade him in a new york heartbeat for a 2nd. Matt Ryan would have a complete package. 4 solid receivers 2 good Runnings backs and a pro bowl tight end. It would take the pressure off all the WRs and the RBs because people would be scared of Gonzalez. Even for 3 years. And put the whole rest of the draft on Defense. Gonzalaez said he didn’t want to come to the falcons last year before we drafted Matt Ryan and we were a 4-12 team. Were now 11-5 and went to the playoffs people change and so do perceptions. Tony Gonzalez wants to be on a winner with a chance to go to the Big Dance. With him on board even for 3 years we would have a dang good chance.
nativefalcon
April 13th, 2009
11:50 pm
Also we would probaly be the no.1 offense in scoring with Gonzalez.
Roby
April 13th, 2009
11:52 pm
This is a no brainer for me too.The Falcons were more than likely going to spend their 2nd rnd. pk. on a TE anyway.At least you know what your getting in TG.GO for it TD.
Shut up Terrence
April 14th, 2009
12:17 am
Giving up a second round pick for a guy that will play maybe two seasons is stupid. And Orlando, you’re the Falcons’ beat writer. Don’t you have any sources of your own? You having to regirgitate substanceless internet reports is doing a crumby job as far as I’m concerned.
D. ORLANDO LEDBETTER
April 14th, 2009
12:26 am
FROM THE GONZO GAMP: “There (is) no validity to that rumor at this time Orlando. It is speculation at this time.”
Good night, y’all.
Hamad Meander
April 14th, 2009
12:29 am
Tony Gonzalez for a 2nd rounder? Yes, please! The Falcons would be in much better shape with a pass-catching TE than whatever the 55th pick of the draft would yield. This is the only piece the offense is missing right now. Yes, there are needs all over the defense, but hopefully those can be filled with other picks and returning players from IR. Let’s not forget Trey Lewis, Robert James, and a few more coming back from the IR list.
Truly, we should only be in the market for an outside linebacker, a strong safety, and a defensive tackle in the draft. Luxuries would be another DE, CB, and offensive lineman.
Tony G coming to Atlanta would be very exciting and a great addition to an already effective offense.
Shut up Terrence
April 14th, 2009
12:55 am
ATTENTION: SHORT-SIGHTED, NON-BIG-PICTURE-SEEING FOOLS … YES GONZALEZ IS AN EXCITING ADDITION TO THE OFFENSE, BUT HE’S NOT WORTH A SECOND ROUND PICK – END OF DISCUSSION.
Lindsay
April 14th, 2009
1:36 am
I think that Tony G would be a great asset to any team who may get him…BUT the Chiefs want to keep him so they will do what they did to the Packers earlier in the season and not trade.
Dollar
April 14th, 2009
2:35 am
Keep the pick and get a player who can contribute long term.
cha dro
April 14th, 2009
2:46 am
This blog has never been short on dummies!
cha dro
April 14th, 2009
2:50 am
And I think that “shut up Terrance” needs to shup too. WHAT A DA!
Old Gator
April 14th, 2009
4:39 am
No… If we were a TE away from conpeting for the Super Bowl then OK but we still are trying to put back to back winning seasons together. Keep going with the draft.
Kirkwood
April 14th, 2009
6:09 am
Why!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
griffdawg1
April 14th, 2009
6:14 am
all you fantasy football idiots keep talking about what is good for the falcons long term. in this era of free agency long term for any team is only 3-4 years. the window of opportunity will close in that time and you would be glad to have had the production of tony gonzales in that time frame. remember, if we don’t win big in the next 3 years then we will again be in that rebuilding mode and you idiots will be spouting the same “long term” retoric! WORD TO YOUR MOTHER !!
marko
April 14th, 2009
6:14 am
http://chiefsblog.kansascity.com/?q=node/770 Thought some of you might want to know how the other side is taking the Tony Gonzalez trade rumors. A lot of the local reaction seems to be there’s no way we give up a two for Tony Gonzalez. The KC point of view seems to be there’s no way we give up our precious Tony for a crummy two. Me? I suggested the trade about a month ago. I’d look pretty silly if I backed away from it now. By the way I strongly feel that we’re getting the best of the deal. Round off our two and it looks a lot more like a three. Who would we get with that pick who would boost our offense more? The really great thing about the move is the signal it sends. A young rebuilding team doesn’t make this move. This is the kind of thing a team does when they’re gearing up for a run at a Lombardi trophy. God I’d love to have a few of those big ugly things. Arthur would have to pay somebody to keep them dusted off, but what the hell, he can afford it. I digress. What Dimitroff is telling us is that we’ve got the horses to make a serious playoff run. We’re only a year removed from the Vick Paterno debacle. All in all I find the speed the whole thing a little mind boggling. The Flowery Branch brain trust is showing a lot of confidence in their guys. Maybe we should do the same. I was reading up a little on Gonzalez. IT seems that he and Dimmitroff share a common trait. They don’t eat red meat. I don’t care much for the stuff myself. I like mine seared over charcoal and pink in the middle.
DSV
April 14th, 2009
6:20 am
If you can wait a few years then don’t trade. If you want to get to the Super Bowl quickly then by all means. I would rather wait and make the trip several years in a row than just one trip then start looking around again for a TE.
Greg
April 14th, 2009
6:24 am
All you well-intentioned guys who say TG is great, make the deal: please ask yourself why, if TG is worth so much more than a 2nd round pick, that KC is making the offer. Who knows him and his potential for the next 2-3 years better than KC? This is one of those deals where, if they make the offer, it ain’t worth taking it.
griffdawg1
April 14th, 2009
6:39 am
DSV, are you fully aware of where you are? do you really think that any team much less the falcons are going to the SB SEVERAL years in a row. in this era you better be looking to go one year then worry about down the road.
griffdawg1
April 14th, 2009
6:40 am
WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU WAITING FOR !!!!!!
griffdawg1
April 14th, 2009
6:44 am
Greg, as a lifetime falcon fan, i would never turn down a 1000 yd. producer.this is the falcons.Also,i don’t think KC is the one shopping this deal.
marko
April 14th, 2009
6:52 am
Some feel that the Gonzalez trade hurts us long term. Long term we’re all dead .The future is now. For the next three years the bad guys have to figure out how to stop the Burner, Roddy and Gonzalez. I don’t care much for their chances. KC does’nt want to lose Tony, Tony wants out. The main thing that would Stop the the deal would be Tony not wanting us. Memo to Arthur: A little candlelight, soft music and wine might be in order. You know the stuff you did to land our Burner.
griffdawg1
April 14th, 2009
6:56 am
marko….thank you! someone finally making some sense!
Guido Sarducci, Jr.
April 14th, 2009
7:11 am
Believa this. Tony Gonzalez isa darn good tight end…end ofa story. I trust in tha current admistration to maka the right move.
Greg
April 14th, 2009
7:24 am
To all the people who are saying that a second round pick is too costly a price to pay for a pro bowler with only 3 ywears left in his career, consider this: in business class, we are taught that money in the bank now is worth more that the ‘possibility’ on greater amounts of money later. An offence with Ryan,Jenkins, White, Gonzalez, Finneran, and Turner (or Norwood) would cause migraines on every down for defenses.
This could also inspire other superstars to consider HOTLANTA as one of their contract year considerations. Winning NOW could have HUGE implications for what will be a very bright Falcons future.
MacArthur O. Means
April 14th, 2009
7:36 am
There’s no doubt he would be a good get. But, with all the needs on defense, maybe we need to hang onto that pick. It’s a tough one. If we had re-signed Dominique Foxworth, the decision to do it would be easier.
That said, whatever Dimitroff decides to do, I’m going to trust it’s probably the right thing.
Bill
April 14th, 2009
7:38 am
Tony not wanting us? In case you haven’t noticed, Atlanta Falcon is a good job to have right now.
Gunner
April 14th, 2009
7:41 am
How about our left OT? Have people forgotten Weiner retired?
JJ
April 14th, 2009
7:51 am
Absolute no-brainer. Gonzalez makes the Falcons one of the Top 2-3 offenses in the NFC next season. Next question.
JayHawk JD
April 14th, 2009
8:11 am
Tony G is a class act that is the best TE to play the game. Period. He is also one of the best current receivers & is quite likely better than anybody the Falcons have or could possibly hope to draft. Although it would be a sad day for the Chiefs to lose him, I sincerely wish him the best & I hope he has the opportunity to play his last couple of years for a quality franchise like the Falcons.
Bob
April 14th, 2009
8:22 am
Our left OT is Sam Baker, genius. What does Weiner have to do with Tony Gonzalez?
bull-gator
April 14th, 2009
8:31 am
Wait until next year to draft Gator TE Aaron Hernandez, 6-2, 250. He’s a junior, but will probably opt for the NFL after this season. Great hands, speed and one a hell of a blocker. He’s another T. Gonzalez in the making. Gonzalez has some age and mileage, but he’s going to be a first ballot hall of famer. I’d go with youth vs experience and build for the future.
Jamaal=Bust
April 14th, 2009
8:36 am
I say do it for a third rounder. Tony couldn’t be worth more to any other team.
Wareagle1914
April 14th, 2009
8:36 am
First of all, WHO DO THE FALCONS HAVE A T TE?? Peele? Please…. Tony Gonzales would catch more balls in his SLEEP! Secondly, how could he be at the “end of his career” with those stats?!?! He need a TE BADLY who can block and also catch the ball. This proposed move would work wonders for our offensive production and after that, just focus on the defense, i.e. protecting Matty ICE!!! I say get TG!!!!!
Lake Oconee Dawg
April 14th, 2009
9:02 am
No way! Go with the draft. Trade up to get a good, young, TE. But with TG his age is a key factor….not may more years left. Use the draft to stock the Falcons.
Rufio
April 14th, 2009
9:03 am
Tony Gonz: 96 catches, 1058 yards, 10 touchdowns
Larry Fitz: 96 catches, 1431 yards, 12 touchdowns
Steve Smith: 78 catches, 1421 yards, 6 touchdowns
id do the trade… dudes no slouch… and he blocks… im sure another TE will be available via the draft in a couple years. this makes us much better immediately
shawn
April 14th, 2009
9:10 am
Only if we can trade or #1 for a few later picks too.
leggomyeggo
April 14th, 2009
9:15 am
In Dimitroff I trust. Whatever he does, I’ll support. The guy ain’t done me wrong yet. AS much as i hate giving away a #2 (which is too high in my opinion) there’s no doubt TG is a legitimate threat that will open up the field for the next year or two for Matty Ice, Roddy and Jenk. We would be very hard to deal w/ and game plan for.
Tony Gonzalez to Falcons? - MyPostingSpace.com
April 14th, 2009
9:15 am
[...] Now the AJC, the main Atlanta paper just speculates it is nothing but a rumor. It would not surprise me if a deal happens, however Thomas is all about the draft. A 2nd rd pick for a Pro Bowl player is not a bad price. Is Tony Gonzalez worth the Falcons’ 2nd-round pick? | ajc Sports Talk [...]
Joe Schmoe
April 14th, 2009
9:16 am
Michael Vick is avalibe for a trade right? Would KC be interrested?
Toby Cash
April 14th, 2009
9:16 am
This does not make sense. The draft is a much better option.
Bill
April 14th, 2009
9:18 am
What ever TD,the GM wants is totally ok with me.The man has been right so far. GO Birds.
coachx
April 14th, 2009
9:19 am
I wonder if Atlanta is in talks with a trade down with the Browns who have multiple second round picks ? Cleveland has #36 and #50 in the 2nd round. Atlanta’s 2nd round pick is at #55.
If Atlanta trades #24 for #36 and #50 then I could see then flipping #55 for Gonzales.
At #36 and #50 they should be able to get Brace at DT and either Chung or Moore at SS.
The Giants also have two 2nd round picks and a 1st at #29. They believe they are a #1 WR away from another Super Bowl. Their 2nd rounders are not as high as the Browns. The Giants have picks 46 and 60 which could be a possibility. Those sound a bit low for pick #24.
What I’m thinking is that maybe they give up pick #29 and (one of picks #46 or #60) to move up to #24 if a reciever falls to #24 they are in love with like Percy Harvin or that big 6′4” WR from Rutghers who may not still be around for their original #29 pick.
At pick #29 we could probably still get one of the main guys we want and having pick #60 would take the sting away from trading pick #55 for Gonzo.
A lot people are assuming the Browns trade Braylon Edwards to NY for pick #29 since he wants a big contract next year that is probably too much for Cleveland to pay. That could hurt our chances of trading down since it would involve both teams with multiple 2nd round picks.
We will know for sure in 11 days how it all shakes out. I can’t wait. NFL Draft Day is better then Super Bowl Sunday to me……………….that is unless the Falcons are playing in the Super Bowl.
Halimaw
April 14th, 2009
9:22 am
DON’T DO IT!
Glenn
April 14th, 2009
9:29 am
I think it is a great idea he is another proven veteran and leader plus he has continued to be dominate despite not having a good quarter back in about 4 years. Matt Ryan would benefit from this move not only can he catch but he can block!