For the first time in his NFL career, Derrick Johnson will suit up for a team other than the Chiefs. The veteran linebacker has agreed to terms with the Raiders, according to Vic Tafur of The Athletic (on Twitter). The news was first reported by Michael Silver of the NFL Network (on Twitter). It’s a one-year deal, per the Review-Journal’s Michael Gehlken (on Twitter).
[RELATED: Redskins’ Bruce Allen Won’t Join Raiders]
Johnson may not be the player that he once was, but last season the 35-year-old still showed that he has something left in the tank. He also offers a great deal of experience and boasts four Pro Bowl nods and a First-Team All-Pro selection on his resume.
The Chiefs announced this offseason that they would not be re-signing Johnson, their all-time leading tackler. Since entering the league as a first round choice in 2005, Johnson has appeared in 182 games and amassed 1,262 career tackles.
The Raiders currently project to start Bruce Irvin, Tahir Whitehead, and Cory James at linebacker. It’s not clear whether Johnson will be given an opportunity to crack the starting lineup, but he could be a valuable depth piece and a mentor to younger players in the front seven.
Typical defection. I doubt he’ll last more than one season in Oakland. Hope he gets a sack when he goes back to KC, tho. Love a good “Remember me?” moment.
I doubt he will even make the roster
You might be right.
Raiders loading up on veterans. Doesn’t really make much sense unless you think they’re close