QB Green, Chiefs headed for splitsville

The Kansas City Chiefs won't acknowledge it, but it sure sounds as if quarterback Trent Green may have taken his last snap with the team.

That's the inescapable conclusion in the wake of the team's announcement that it will allow Green to "explore other potential opportunities in the National Football League." The Chiefs insist they're not interested in trading the quarterback, and that they're simply granting him permission to find something better.

Trent Green may have taken his last snap at QB with the Chiefs. (US Presswire)

But let's look at what's going on here: Green turns 37 this year, and the Chiefs are trying to get younger and faster at every position. Coach Herman Edwards hasn't named Green his starter for the 2007 season, even though Green was the team's starter the past six years. Green is reluctant to agree to the team's wishes to restructure a contract that pays him $7.2 million this season, and he's not keen on battling for the starter's job, either.

All that points in one direction -- and it's out of town.

Look, I don't know if the team's desire to restructure Green's contract means it wants him to take a pay cut. What I do know is that if Green was interested in restructuring his contract, he would've done it. I also know he isn't all that fired up about fighting for a job that has been his, and who can blame him?

But this is what I think clinches his exit: There is no long-term future for him in Kansas City. Let's say he stays with the Chiefs. At best, he's looking at one more year with the club, and not because Damon Huard -- who started eight games last season -- pushes him out of the lineup, but because Brodie Croyle will.

Remember what I said about the Chiefs wanting to get younger? Croyle is one of the young guys they want to play. He was the team's third-round draft pick a year ago, and it is he who settles in behind Green or Huard as this year's backup. The loser of the Green-Huard duel, meanwhile, drops to No. 3, which means he probably is released.

Green doesn't want to take that chance. Not at this stage of his career. He knows the score, which means he knows Croyle is the quarterback of the future. It's not that Croyle is better than Green or Huard -- not yet anyway. If he were, he'd be starting.

But the club must find out if he's better. And to do that he must play. That happens sooner or later, which makes Green expendable sooner or later. I say sooner.

The Chiefs and Green's agent, Jim Steiner, agreed that Tuesday's announcement is no big deal, but I believe it is. I believe it's the beginning of the end for Green in Kansas City. I don't doubt the Chiefs would like to keep Green. Who wouldn't? He's a class act and has given the club years of outstanding play and leadership.

The question is: Why would Green want to stay? I understand he may have no choice -- after all, he's under contract. But remember: The Chiefs want him to re-do that deal. If he doesn't -- and that's the way it sounds now -- I was always under the impression the club would either trade him or cut him.

But why let things get messy for someone who has been so good to the organization? That's why the Chiefs will allow him a chance "to explore other opportunities." They would like this to be resolved neatly and amicably, and they're on their way with Tuesday's announcement.

But if nothing works out -- if no one steps forward with an offer -- I wouldn't be surprised if Green asks for his release. Face it, he wants to play. No, he wants to start. And he wants to start where he's on something more than a short leash.

I can't see that happening in Kansas City.

So the club will allow him to explore a trade, but don't expect anything to happen overnight. First, there's the issue of starting somewhere. Tell me how many clubs are looking for a 37-year-old who just missed half the season because of a serious concussion? Then, once that club is found, there's the matter of compensation. Tell me what Green would command on the market now -- especially in light of what happened last season? Third, there's the issue of settling on a new contract.

Green will play this year. That much I believe. But I also believe it won't be in Kansas City.