More pre-draft trades: KC ships TE Tony Gonzalez to Atlanta

Atlanta Falcons phenom QB Matt Ryan has a brand new toy:

The Chiefs announced Thursday that they have traded the 10-time Pro Bowl tight end to the Atlanta Falcons in exchange for a second-round pick in the 2010 NFL Draft.“On behalf of my family and the Chiefs, I want to thank Tony for his time in Kansas City,” Chiefs chairman Clark Hunt said in a statement released by the team. “Over the last 12 seasons, Tony has been one of the finest players in Chiefs history, and he will always be remembered as a member of the Chiefs. His play on the field speaks for itself -– he holds almost every major NFL record for tight ends, and he is arguably the best to ever play his position. We wish him the best in Atlanta.”

The trade gives Atlanta a pick in next year’s draft, and while some might think the Kansas City Chiefs should have gotten something in this year’s draft, the truth of the matter is KC is lucky they got anything for Gonzalez. He’s 33 years old, and while he is not limping out there, he is clearly in the twilight of his career. Teams do not trade first day picks days before the draft for 33 year old TEs.

How does this affect Atlanta and KC this weekend?

Well, the Chiefs could try and grab TE Jared Cook in round three, maybe. It’s doubtful Cook will fall that far. Another possible second day TE option is Rice’s James Casey. KC has no second round pick because of the Matt Cassel trade with New England.

Meanwhile, the Falcons can likely shift away from possibly taking a receiver in rounds one or two and focus more on filling their needs at pass rusher and safety.