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Trading places Chiefs still weary of giving up two high picks for Green
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Despite what Kansas City president Carl Peterson might think, agent Jim Steiner says it won't be his fault if the Chiefs fail to trade for Trent Green. "I have nothing to do with the trade," Steiner told The Associated Press on Thursday. "I have zero to do with the trade." Peterson, perhaps still resentful over losing quarterback Elvis Grbac, indicated this week that Steiner could be an obstacle in getting Green from St. Louis. Green and Grbac, who unexpectedly left the Chiefs last month to become a free agent, both are Steiner clients. The Chiefs, who already had to give St. Louis their second-round draft pick as compensation for hiring coach Dick Vermeil, have balked at the Rams' demand for a first- and third-round pick. The Chiefs own the 12th choice overall. Green, who turns 30 this year, missed all of 1999 with a knee injury but became a Vermeil favorite when Vermeil was coaching the Rams. "There's more than just the player and the draft pick compensation involved," Peterson said. "There's [the salary cap], cash, contracts. What about the next contracts? Let's be honest, this agent that represents him, we haven't done very well with the last couple of years here." Steiner said he would never stand in the way of an opportunity for Green to have a chance to start. After being injured in 1999, Green lost his starting job to Kurt Warner, who was named NFL and Super Bowl MVP. "Trent has a contract for two more years," Steiner said. "There is no issue about his contract unless they want to restructure it or redo it or extend it. They can make a deal without talking to me." The Chiefs have other needs besides a quarterback. But losing Grbac left them with only Todd Collins, who was their No. 3 last year and could not even challenge aged Warren Moon to be No. 2. "The first and third picks will be too much," Peterson said. Given their many needs, which also includes running back and cornerback, the Chiefs could wind up making any sort of deal on draft day. They are also eying running backs Deuce McAllister and Michael Bennett. "There are a lot of other scenarios out there. We're open to any suggestions anyone wants to make," Peterson said. "But as usual this time of year, there are going to be a lot of trades between now and the kickoff of the draft and during the draft. I guess that's what makes it interesting." Green took over last year when Warner was injured in a loss to Kansas City and was 145-for-240 for 2,063 yards. He had 16 touchdowns and five interceptions. Both sides have said they would not be surprised if the Chiefs and Rams come to terms for Green just minutes before Kansas City has to exercise its first-round choice. Steiner said Green's contract calls for $3 million this year and about $3.5 next season. "It's a very reasonable contract," he said. "If they want to restructure or renegotiate, then we're open to that." Peterson said the odds of a trade were "about 50-50."
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