Fantasy Owners: Cut Your Ties to Larry Johnson

Gone are the days when Larry Johnson and the Kansas City Chiefs were an offensive powerhouse. In years past, the Chiefs were able to score a ton of points, but also allowed plenty too. The Chiefs' defensive decline has been long standing since the passing of KC legend linebacker Derrick Thomas.

In the offseason, the Kansas City organization began a youth movement and now have one of the youngest and most inexperienced team in the NFL. Everyone rebuilds sooner or later, but the rebuilding process takes its toll on the veteran players that are still around.

Tony Gonzalez has caused some friction by asking for a trade because he does not have many years left in the tank to make a run for a title. Can you really blame him? I do think he showed class by asking for a team meeting to ensure that his teammates knew that he was still committed to playing in KC even after the trade deadline came and passed.

Did he call for a team meeting just to prevent bad feelings in the locker room and have fans still adore him? Probably, but I like to give the guy the benefit of the doubt and think he is a class act.

Then there is Larry Johnson; he is killing me. He has been beloved in years past as the savior for the KC Chief fan, and it is painful to watch him fall apart in front of our eyes. He  started out as a better version of Priest Holmes only to presently be labeled a "bust".

For those unlucky enough to draft him in the first few rounds of fantasy football, you are really feeling the pain from his lack of production. What can we expect from Larry Johnson? Well, we expect a player that gives 110% every time he touches the ball. We expect a good player to complain a little bit when he isn't getting the ball because he feels he can help his team.

I am not knocking Larry Johnson for calling out Herm Edwards to feed him the ball more, and I am not knocking Larry Johnson for getting on his young offensive line to block better for him. I am knocking him because Johnson chose to speak about his coaches and teammates by means of mainstream media. By choosing to "complain" about things through the media, Larry Johnson is coming across as making excuses for his poor play. Heaven forbid that he has lost a step.

Larry Johnson put his team out on the ledge and his teammates answered with a great effort and blocking scheme, helping Johnson to rush for almost 200 yards against Denver. Although Denver doesn't have great rush defense, 200 yards rushing in any game is fairly impressive.

After this awesome display of rushing, I only have one regret. I should have traded Johnson in my fantasy league when his value was high. Looking at the KC schedule and how the offense was sputtering with one of their three quarterbacks under center, I should have known better than to keep believing that Larry Johnson would continue to pound the turf and be a solid back this year.

Shame on me for expecting extraordinary results for such an average team. I could not cut my ties with a name.

Now, fantasy owners have  Johnson on their fantasy bench with no takers in sight. The only way a fantasy owner can get rid of Johnson is to group him with another player in a trade offer. If you are not lucky enough to be deep enough to do this, hold on to him for awhile.

Johnson has had some assault issues and has been reprimanded to the bench for not observing team rules. Are his suspensions over? I am not sure, but I don't want to hold onto dead weight.

Looking at the KC's schedule, it may be awhile before Larry has a decent rushing game. Listen closely, as soon as he does trade him fast. His next two games are against the Jets and Buccaneers, so it's not looking good for his ground game. Larry and the Chiefs go play San Diego in week in Week 10.

Even if the trade is for the likes of Ronnie Brown, Jamal Lewis, or Willis McGahee it is well worth it. If you are set with running backs, maybe get rid of Larry for wide receivers like Hines Ward, Laveranues Coles, or Santonio Holmes.

The bottom line is that as soon as Larry Johnson creates some value, cut ties with him as he will never be as consistent as you need him to be. That goes for any player on your fantasy team. If you have a player that is just not cutting it after seven weeks of football, trade him for a player that can. Pull the trigger and cut your ties. Get a player that will actually create value for your team.

What you are able to get for Larry depends on the owners within your league. Just remember, cut your ties with Larry Johnson as soon as you can.