[Kansas City.com] Just as the Chiefs-Terrell Owens hubbub was beginning to die down, Keyshawn Johnson placed a call to Kansas City president/general manager Carl Peterson last week. Johnson had just been released by Dallas to make room for Owens. And as usual, he was very direct.
“I’d really like to be a Chief,” Johnson told Peterson.
Peterson said Tuesday that he appreciates the interest, but the Chiefs have told Johnson to wait a couple of weeks until the franchise addresses some needs on defense. On Tuesday, Johnson was reportedly in New York visiting with the Giants, and the Chiefs were talking to two defensive free agents.
Johnson is talented, and was the No. 1 overall pick in the 1996 draft. He’s also been productive, leading Dallas with 71 receptions last year for 839 yards and six touchdowns. But at 33, he doesn’t exactly fit into the Chiefs’ push to get younger. And Johnson recently told Sports Illustrated that he’s worth more than $2.5 million, which may be too pricey for a position that isn’t at the top of the Chiefs’ needs list.
But Peterson isn’t closing the door on Johnson, and he doesn’t mind listening to one of the most outspoken receivers in the NFL. Especially when Johnson is doing the calling.
“I’d say right now it’s in a holding pattern,” Peterson said.
