Big Money, No Support

Big Money...

Big Money...

No Whammies...

STOP!!!!"

So the news finally hit that Kansas City realized where they are without their top running back. So the deal is done. Johnson signed a five-year extension, which locks him up with the Chiefs through the 2012 season — the extension plus the year remaining on his old contract.

Johnson will make $45 million over the next six years.

As for Johnson’s five-year extension, he will earn $43.2 million, making him the highest-paid running back in the NFL based on average salary per year. Johnson is guaranteed $19 million and will make $27.7 million over the first three years of the extension.

To Johnson's, shortly after completing the deal, he didn't simply watch the practice, but suited up, ran hard, and even demonstrated improved pass-blocking skills.

There was a collective sigh across fantasy football nation to all those who invested in Larry Johnson with their first overall pick (typically 3 - 6th pick overall). How does this affect his fantasy impact...well, for one, he can now make points now that he is actually in pads and practicing.

The biggest question going into this season, ultimately affecting where you "think" you should draft him is the offense, or the lack thereof.

It appears safe to assume that Brodie Croyle, rookie mistakes and all, will "man the helm" for a team that was close enough to the playoffs last year to make them believe they have a shot this year. However, this is far from the truth.

Eddie Kennison and Samie Parker aren't going to win you games, much less a championship run. Yes, Dwayne Bowe is going to have an immediate impact...but not enough to draft or even put in the top 50 wide receivers. The only saving grace is a better than average o-line and one heck of a running back.

Personally, I believe that Larry Johnson, because of the offense issues AND the workload he took on last year and is bound to shoulder this year, is AT BEST, the number four running back, behind LaDanian Tomlinson, Stephen Jackson, and Shaun Alexander.

The lack of offense will not limit his potential as some would like you to think...those who tell you this are hoping you skip over him for Gore, Parker, and Westbrook so that they can draft him at an absured 6th pick or later...

Offense or no offense, he worthy of drafting anywhere after Tomlinson and Jackson, even IF he has no practice, no supporting cast (save Tony Gonzalez) and a mediocre defense.

Statistocrat