The Chiefs didn't merely ensure that Larry Johnson would be available for the start of training camp when they signed their No. 1 draft pick to a contract Thursday.
They also turned the football world upside down. The Chiefs, notorious for nasty negotiations with No. 1 picks, are the second team to get a 2003 first-round pick under contract. Only Cincinnati, with No. 1 overall pick Carson Palmer, beat them to a signing.
Johnson, a halfback from Penn State, signed a seven-year contract that will be shortened to five if he meets certain performance incentives. Johnson would receive between $8.5 million and $9 million over the seven years, including a signing bonus of $3.3 million.
more
They also turned the football world upside down. The Chiefs, notorious for nasty negotiations with No. 1 picks, are the second team to get a 2003 first-round pick under contract. Only Cincinnati, with No. 1 overall pick Carson Palmer, beat them to a signing.
Johnson, a halfback from Penn State, signed a seven-year contract that will be shortened to five if he meets certain performance incentives. Johnson would receive between $8.5 million and $9 million over the seven years, including a signing bonus of $3.3 million.
more