Lots of mock drafts had the Falcons snapping up Oklahoma State’s tight end sensation Brandon Pettigrew with the 24th pick in the draft. I hope these guys wrote up their boards in pencil. The Atlanta Falcons made a huge acquisition today, picking up Kansas City Chiefs pro-bowl TE Tony Gonzalez in exchange for next year’s second round draft pick. Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff just made his strong offense front down right lethal. Gonzalez racked up gaudy numbers in 2008, pulling in 96 passes for 10 touchdowns to go along with 1058 yards. He holds the career record for tight ends with 10940 yards, 76 touchdowns on 916 receptions.
When asked about his feelings on leaving the team he?d built his career with, Gonzalez told Foxsports.com, “It’s somewhat bittersweet. I love Kansas City. I grew up in Kansas City. The city means a lot to me. I got there when I turned 21. It will be sad to leave a city I love. But I’m looking forward to making a Super Bowl run in Atlanta every year for the next three or four years.”
It’s no shock that Gonzalez was unhappy in KC after asking the Chiefs for a trade this past October. The general manager at the time, Carl Peterson, said no offer sufficiently compensated the team for what Gonzalez was worth. Tony Gonzalez is in the twilight of his career at 33-years-old so will serve as a solid presence up the middle for the Falcons in the next 2 to 3 years.
Tight end was one of the Falcons key concerns entering Saturday’s draft. The team lost several valuable components to free agency including cornerback Dominque Foxworth, linebackers Michael Boley and Keith Brooking. Securing Tony Gonzalez allows Dimitroff to focus on the defensive side of the ball. The Falcons also look to be awarded a bounty of compensatory picks in next year’s draft to offset their free agency losses.
Gonzalez joins a stable of talent, anchoring a receiving core which includes Pro Bowl receiver Roddy White and Michael Jenkins. Couple Matt Ryan’s air attack with the human bowling ball, Michael Turner and you have an offensive power that can rival any in the league.
The Chiefs on the other hand are similar to where the Falcons found themselves following the Petrino/Vick debacle last year — in rebuilding mode. New general manager Scott Pioli has already started putting his stamp on the new team, securing last year’s phenom quarterback Matt Cassel to run his offense. Also coming from the New England school of draft savvy, Pioli is expected to mirror Dimitroff’s miraculous efforts come Saturday. When asked about the decision to part ways with Gonzalez, Pioli responded, “This is something we really feel was a decision in the best short-term and long-term interest of the Chiefs. It may be that pick next year or it may be a pick this year or several picks.”
The NFL planners may have chartered a course through the valley of the shadow of death for the Dirty Birds this season, but I guarantee the Falcons will sleep much easier tonight knowing the veteran Pro Bowl presence of Tony Gonzalez will be helping them to navigate the treacherous journey.
