That explains the team's stance, anyway. But Gonzalez himself continues to hint that he wouldn't discourage a trade, even though he's not as vocal in encouraging one as he was during the 2008 season.

Gonzalez was openly disappointed last season when former Chiefs GM Carl Peterson couldn't get a deal done, even when a third-round pick - the going rate for a 33-year-old tight end, in Gonzalez's view - was offered in exchange.

Now, however, Gonzalez insists he will "just go with the flow," when people start discussing whether the Chiefs will try to trade the NFL's record-holder in career receptions and touchdowns by a tight end.

And Gonzalez's future was very much a part of the discussion when Hunt talked to the Kansas City Star during the spring NFL meetings in Dana Point, Calif.

"We certainly will not seek a trade for Tony," Hunt said. "I think he's excited about the changes we've made here. I think he recognizes that with Todd (Haley) as the head coach, we're going to have an exciting offense that will feature the passing game. No matter our starting quarterback, it will be someone who will look his way quite a bit."

Hunt wasn't as definitive about the futures of veterans Larry Johnson, who has frequently expressed his desire to leave Kansas City, or Pro Bowl guard Brian Waters, who vented his frustration after an apparently unsatisfactory meeting with Haley and an unsuccessful attempt to reach new GM Scott Pioli.

"I have to say I was surprised by Brian Waters and his comments," Hunt told the Star. "My experience with him is that he's been a leader for the team and wants to play for the Chiefs.

"Those comments were probably made in the heat of the moment. It's important for Brian and Todd and Scott to get to spend some time together working with each other before any kind of decision is made there."