As rumors spread concerning the Chiefs' quarterback situation, more emerged concerning their starting running back, Larry Johnson. The "Kansas City Star", without citing a source, reported that the team had offered Johnson up for trade in the weeks before the 2007 NFL Draft. The 27-year-old Johnson participated in all of the Chiefs' off-season program, but was entering the final year of his contract. Johnson reportedly made it clear he wanted a deal worth more than the eight-year, $60 million contract San Diego Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson signed in 2005. The Chiefs invited four running backs—California's Marshawn Lynch, Ohio State's Antonio Pittman, Florida State's Lorenzo Booker and Louisville's Kolby Smith—for interviews, and had said they were willing to draft a running back in the early rounds. The Chiefs later selected Kolby Smith in the fifth round of the 2007 NFL Draft.