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Derrick Johnson Re-Signs With Kansas City Chiefs

By Erik Lambert

Dec 27, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) is sacked by Kansas City Chiefs inside linebacker Derrick Johnson (56) in the second half at Arrowhead Stadium. Kansas City won the game 17-13. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 27, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) is sacked by Kansas City Chiefs inside linebacker Derrick Johnson (56) in the second half at Arrowhead Stadium. Kansas City won the game 17-13. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Kansas City Chiefs had multiple free agents, but only one they could absolutely not afford to lose.  That was linebacker Derrick Johnson.  Fans can breathe a sigh of relief as the veteran decided to come back home.

This is who Kansas City is getting back and why he is so important.

"“Johnson has been a model of consistency at the inside linebacker for the Kansas City Chiefs over the last decade. He will be 33 at the start of this season, but he was still playing great football last season, racking up 116 tackles,  two interceptions, and two forced fumbles to go along with four sacks. Johnson can still affect games, and is a very valuable veteran player in free agency this year.”"

Johnson is the utility man of that Chiefs defense.  He does a little bit of everything, cleaning up after the mistakes of his teammates and always seeming to be in the right place at the right time.  He knows the scheme inside and out by now.  Still, given his age one can expect the Chiefs to bring him some help via the draft at some point.

GRADE:  A

The deal may seem a bit expensive given his age, but he’s coming off a Pro Bowl season and should have a couple good years left in him.  If that’s the case, they got him at a bargain.  Things should be looking good for them at linebacker in 2016 along with the return of Tamba Hali.

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