Kansas City Chiefs Re-sign LB Derrick Johnson
The Kansas City Chiefs took a big step forward this year and part of that is thanks to their defense. As free agency loomed, they knew they had to keep their own.
According to multiple media reports, the Kansas City Chiefs have re-signed linebacker Derrick Johnson. The deal is reportedly for three-years and will be worth $21 million.
#Chiefs and LB Derrick Johnson agree to 3 yr, $21m deal with over $9m guaranteed, per source.
— Adam Caplan (@caplannfl) March 10, 2016
The Chiefs originally drafted Johnson in the first round of the 2005 draft out of Texas with the 15th overall pick.
Here’s what NFL Mocks Editor Sayre Bedinger had to say about Derrick Johnson heading into free agency this week.
"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 effect games, and is a very valuable veteran player in free agency this year."
Derrick Johnson has been a stalwart on the Chiefs front seven ever since he was drafted. With four Pro Bowl selections, he has started in 141 games for the Chiefs and accumulated 820 solo tackles. He also has 26.5 sacks and 13 interceptions on his resume.
The Chiefs also resigned Tamba Hali to a contract prior to free agency kicking off Wednesday afternoon.
They did however lose their third round pick this year and a sixth round pick next year after the league found them guilty of tampering with then free agent wide receiver Jeremy Maclin. Head Coach Andy Reid originally drafted Maclin when he was with the Eagles and would eventually sign him to a long-term deal in Kansas City.
Back-up quarterback Chase Daniels followed Doug Pederson to the Philadelphia Eagles for a three-year contract.