NFL beat writer Tony Grossi of the Cleveland Plain Dealer is reporting that Kansas City has made LB Derrick Johnson available via trade prior to the deadline next week.

If true, this is a definite switch in strategy for the Chiefs, as they had previously indicated that a trade for Johnson was not an option. Given his inability to stay healthy or produce consistently since being drafted #15 overall in 2007, it’s no surprise that KC would want to see what they can get for him.

That said, trading him would be a bitter pill for many Chiefs fans to swallow, as he would be another example of former GM Carl Peterson’s pathetic ability to properly evaluate talent and draft accordingly. At best, Johnson might fetch a late 4th or 5th round pick, but seeing as GM Scott Pioli has made it a priority to stockpile picks, that may be enough to get a deal done.

As always, we’ll keep you updated as more information becomes available.