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As FOXSports.com insider Jay Glazer first reported it: "Tony Gonzalez is finally getting his wish. ..."This after the Chiefs agreed to trade the perennial Pro Bowl tight end to the Atlanta Falcons for what Glazer reports is a second-round pick in the 2010 draft.
The Chiefs have officially confirmed the deal and released statements from Chiefs team owner Clark Hunt and Pioli.
"On behalf of my family and the Chiefs, I want to thank Tony for his time in Kansas City," Hunt said. "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."
Added Chiefs GM Scott Pioli: "From an organizational as well as personal standpoint, there are mixed emotions. I have the highest personal and professional respect for Tony and consider him to be a future Pro Football Hall of Famer. ..."
According to Glazer, Gonzalez has already spoken to both the Chiefs and Falcons about the deal, according to sources.
Gonzalez has been the subject of trade rumors since asking out of Kansas City in October. Last month, however, Hunt indicated that his prized tight end would remain with the organization.
But after a 2-14 season, the Chiefs have been in rebuilding mode. They installed Pioli as general manager and hired Todd Haley as head coach and also traded a pick in this year's draft for former Patriots quarterback Matt Cassel.
As Profootballtalk.com's Aaron Wilson points out, this marks the first trade between former New England Patriots colleagues Pioli and Thomas Dimitroff, the Falcons' general manager.
Ironically, the 10-time Pro Bowl selection and five-time All-Pro rejected a trade to Atlanta last year.
Now, though, the Falcons have an established young quarterback in Matt Ryan, a rising wideout in Roddy White and one of the league's most potent rushing attacks led by Michael Turner.
Gonzalez caught 96 passes last season for 1,058 yards and 10 touchdowns. His presence in Atlanta certainly bodes well for Ryan's continued development.
In a dozen NFL seasons, Gonzalez has caught 916 career passes for 10,940 yards and 76 touchdowns. Whether he can maintain that pace or not, it's safe to say Gonzalez is a capable -- even dangerous -- addition to the Falcon's offense.