Gone, Gone, Gonzalez...

Well, the rumors were true. The Kansas City Chiefs have decided to part ways with their all-pro, the one pillar that was left in the franchise, one Tony Gonzalez.

The Chiefs traded Gonzalez to the Atlanta Falcons for a 2nd round draft pick...in 2010. Somewhat of an odd price, but for the Falcons...a steal.

The story from the Kansas City Star here

((photo courtesy: David Eulitt/KC Star))

Atlanta's side from D. Orlando Ledbetter of the AJC here

The move was not a total surprise as stories have leaked out over the past several days saying that Gonzalez would end up either in Atlanta or Philly. The Falcons, rumored to be picking a Tight End in this years draft, now obviously don't have to worry about it any more. They can concentrate on what they need, which is defense.

From the Chiefs perspective, it was understandable that they made this deal...to an extent. They are in the midst of a huge rebuilding process and Gonzalez would probably not be around to see the end result. So Chiefs GM Scott Pioli did him a favor and sent him to a contender, yes another young team, but one that made the playoffs in 2008 and with a huge upside.

Falcons fans have to be salivating at the thought of Matt Ryan running an offense with not only Michael Turner and Roddy White, but Gonzalez. While they may lack some defense, they will certainly be good enough offensively to compete with just about anyone, we just hope that they have lots of big numbers to put on the scoreboard at the Georgia Dome.

7PM UPDATE:Chris Landry was a guest on the "Myers and Hartman Show" this afternoon, eastern time, on Fox Sports Radio. Landry said that the Chiefs and the Falcons may not be done dealing. 2008 first-round pick of the Chiefs, Glenn Dorsey, may be moved to the Falcons for draft picks. Landry believes that Chiefs GM Scott Pioli may be willing to take the cap hit and move his defensive lineman that will not fit in the schemes on the books right now in Kansas City.

Landry believes Dorsey would be a better fit in the Falcons defensive playbook.
More when we know more...