The Atlanta Falcons made a bold move Thursday, acquiring 10-time Pro Bowl tight end Tony Gonzalez from the Chiefs for a 2010 second-round draft pick.

Gonzalez had wanted a trade, and this had to be everything he had hoped for — he’s headed for a playoff contender with a strong offense. The Falcons must now be considered as a serious threat in the NFC, maybe even to win the NFC, with the addition of best tight end in NFL history. Gonzalez joins an offense led by a young, talented quarterback in Matt Ryan and anchored by running back Michael Turner. With receivers Roddy White and Michel Jenkins, Ryan will have plenty of targets when the Falcons aren’t running the ball. Add Atlanta’s decent defense, and the Falcons become the favorite in the NFC South.

Gonzalez must now be considered the No. 2 tight end in fantasy terms — he might have been in Kansas City, but this trade cements that standing. Over in Kansas City, Matt Cassel’s value drops a little — he suddenly lost his most reliable option. The Chiefs almost had to trade Gonzalez, but you would think they could have gotten more than a second-round pick. Nevertheless, it was a trade for the future, which for Kansas City wasn’t 2009.