Derrick Johnson Had Offers From 3-4 Teams
- Linebacker Derrick Johnson rebuffed offers from two-to-three other clubs in order to sign with the Raiders, as Scott Bair of NBC Sports Bay Area tweets. Johnson, 35, reiterated that the opportunity to play for head coach Jon Gruden played a large role in his decision to join Oakland’s squad, where he is expected to play middle linebacker in a 4-3 scheme for the first time in his career. The Raiders have made multiple additions to the second level of their defense, adding Tahir Whitehead, Emmanuel Lamur, and Kyle Wilber in addition to Johnson. As such, it’s becoming clear that fellow linebacker NaVorro Bowman is unlikely to return to the Bay Area.
Latest On Raiders’ Donald Penn
Raiders tackle Donald Penn will not face charges stemming from an incident with his wife in late April, according to TMZ. It was reported that Penn slapped his wife’s behind and poured a drink on her head, but the two later issued a joint statement downplaying the incident.
“The office rejected this case because of lack of corroboration and on the ground that there is no reasonable likelihood of conviction on the domestic violence matter,” an L.A. City Attorney’s Office spokesperson told TMZ. “Bottom line, lack of sufficient evidence.”
Of course, Penn isn’t necessarily out of the woods in terms of league discipline. Per the terms of the NFL’s collective bargaining agreement, the league office reserves the right to suspend and/or fine players for improper off-the-field activity, even when charges are not pursued.
Still, the odds of a suspension have dramatically decreased with the news. In all likelihood, the Raiders will have Penn in the lineup when they open the season on Sept. 10 against the Rams.
Penn has started in all but four of his career games with the Bucs and Raiders and he did not miss a game until last year when he was sidelined with a foot injury. Despite the late-season malady, he earned his third career Pro Bowl nod.
Last year, Penn graded out as Pro Football Focus’ No. 23 ranked tackle in the NFL. In 2016, he ranked as the 12th best tackle in the league.
Minor NFL Transactions: 5/8/18
Today’s minor moves:
Carolina Panthers
- Claimed: RB Elijah Hood (from Raiders)
Cincinnati Bengals
- Claimed: WR Ka’Raun White (from Seahawks)
Detroit Lions
- Waived: LB Brandon Chubb
New Orleans Saints
- Signed: DT Taylor Stallworth
- Waived: LB Sae Tautu
Minor NFL Transactions: 5/7/18
We’ll keep track of today’s minor moves here:
Baltimore Ravens
- Signed: WR Janarion Grant, DE Myles Humphrey
- Waived: FB Ricky Ortiz, LB Mason McKenrick
Kansas City Chiefs
- Signed: C Tejan Koroma
Minnesota Vikings
- Signed: WR Chad Beebe, CB Craig James, FB Johnny Stanton, LB Brett Taylor
- Waived: LS Nick Dooley, WR Armanti Foreman, DT Caushaud Lyons, FB Kamryn Pettway
New York Giants
- Waived: S Ryan Murphy, G Damien Mama, WR Canaan Severin, RB Terrell Watson, P Austin Rehkow
New York Jets
- Signed: K Taylor Bertolet
- Waived: CB Bryson Keeton
Oakland Raiders
- Signed: TE Paul Butler, FB Henry Poggi, RB Chris Warren
- Waived: RB Elijah Hood, DL Joby Saint Fleur, FB Nick Sharga
Seattle Seahawks
- Signed: OT Nick Callender, C Marcus Henry, S Tevon Mutcherson, WR Damore’ea Stringfellow, OT Avery Young
- Waived: LB Paul Dawson, LB Jason Hall, C Brad Lundblade, WR Ka’Raun White, WR Taj Williams
Raiders Officially Sign LB Derrick Johnson
It’s officially official. On Monday, the Raiders announced the signing of Derrick Johnson. As previously reported, it’s a one-year deal for Oakland and the former Chiefs linebacker. 
The Chiefs announced earlier this offseason that they would not be re-signing the 13-year NFL veteran. The market was slow to develop for Johnson and although he had interest from other clubs, the Raiders were the only team to bring him in for a visit. Over the weekend, Johnson explained that his continued passion for the game prompted Jon Gruden to offer him a contract.
“I still have a fire burning. I can still play at a high level, and I want to prove that.” Johnson said. “That [response] made [Gruden’s] eyeballs jump, because he’s got a lot to prove, too. There was an environment in the room that was very contagious. I knew a deal would happen after I left..I’m one of Gruden’s favorite players — he’s always had a soft spot for me. He’s always said that over the years.”
In a league that is getting increasingly younger, the Raiders have more players over the age of 29 than any other in the NFL. Like many of this year’s free agent additions in Oakland, Johnson is out to prove that he still has quality football left in the tank. He’ll celebrate his 35th birthday in November.
To make room for Johnson, the Raiders waived cornerback Darius Hillary. Hillary joined Oakland on a futures deal in January.
Raiders Eyeing Derrick Johnson As MLB?
- Speaking of positional preferences, the Raiders may view Derrick Johnson as a middle linebacker, per Scott Bair of NBC Sports Bay Area. While this would make sense because of Johnson’s extensive experience as a Chiefs inside linebacker, the last time he played in a 4-3 scheme he served as an outside ‘backer. Prior to the Chiefs moving to a 3-4 look in 2009, Johnson spent most of his time on the outside. He started for four seasons in that role. Bair adds that it appears Tahir Whitehead is slated to play on the outside, noting that Marquel Lee and Nicholas Morrow may be competing for the middle ‘backer job. Whitehead has experience at both middle and outside linebacker in a 4-3 setup.
Raiders Sign Rookie P.J. Hall
The Raiders announced that they have signed their second-round draft choice, P.J. Hall. Hall was the 57th-overall selection in this year’s draft, and head coach Jon Gruden recently said that Hall and fellow rookie Raider Maurice Hurst (who fell to the fifth round due to health concerns) were the top two interior pass rushers in the class.
Hall started 54 of a possible 56 games during his collegiate career at Sam Houston State, picking up a whopping 42 sacks, nine forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, one interception, and 14 blocked kicks. He also recorded 86.5 tackles for loss, which is an FCS record.
He figures to be an immediate contributor in DC Paul Guenther‘s scheme. As Andy Benoit of SI.com observes, Guenther uses a great deal of two-deep zone, and in those looks, the three-technique defensive tackle must be able to fight through double teams. Hall, who switched from defensive end to defensive tackle during his senior season, offers the explosiveness and strength to do that, something that the Raiders were lacking before the draft.
The team signed sixth-round LB Azeem Victor yesterday.
Derrick Johnson On Joining The Raiders
Derrick Johnson has accomplished a great deal in his 13-year career. Since the Chiefs made him the No. 15 overall pick in the 2005 draft, Johnson has picked up four Pro Bowl nods and one first-team All-Pro selection, and he now stands as Kansas City’s all-time leading tackler. In February, though, the Chiefs told him they would not be re-signing him, and just two days ago, he signed with the division-rival Raiders.
Johnson has never been a headline grabber, but he has been a highly-respected defender and leader and a model of quiet consistency. Shortly after signing his one-year pact with Oakland, Johnson discussed his decision to join the silver-and-black and what the future holds as he enters the twilight of his career. Here are some highlights (via Terez Paylor of Yahoo! Sports):
On his meeting with Raiders head coach Jon Gruden:
Johnson says when he met with Gruden — although he spoke with other clubs, the Raiders were the only team to have him in for a visit — Gruden asked him why he still wanted to play. Johnson replied, “I still have a fire burning. I can still play at a high level, and I want to prove that.” He said, “That [response] made [Gruden’s] eyeballs jump, because he’s got a lot to prove, too. There was an environment in the room that was very contagious. I knew a deal would happen after I left.” Johnson added, “I’m one of Gruden’s favorite players — he’s always had a soft spot for me. He’s always said that over the years.”
On the Raiders’ prospects in 2018:
The Raiders have been maligned in some circles because they have loaded up on players on the wrong side of 30 this offseason, but that does indicate to Johnson that Oakland is planning to compete in 2018. He said, “I’m not playing for a rebuilding-type year. I sensed an urgency from Coach Gruden that winning is important right now.”
On his role with the Raiders:
Johnson may not earn a starting job, but he will be a valuable depth piece who could take on a larger role if need be. He said Gruden “wants me to help the young guys, be a leader and step right in and help the guys on and off the field.” As Paylor notes, Johnson could be a positive influence for gifted-but-troubled edge rusher Arden Key, whom the Raiders selected in the third round of this year’s draft.
On why he chose the Raiders:
“I believe I can still play at a high level, and for me, my family and my legacy, I’m trying to figure out how can I chase that ring. Even though it’s a rival team, this is my best opportunity to chase a dream and play an important role. I have to go somewhere where there’s a plan for me, and that’s the Oakland Raiders.”
Gareon Conley Close To Full Clearance
- Gareon Conley has yet to receive full clearance to return to Raiders workouts, but Jon Gruden said that appears imminent, per Scott Bair of NBC Sports Bay Area. Conley underwent shin surgery last year after missing almost his entire rookie season. Gruden indicated the 2017 first-round pick is running with teammates and participating in walkthroughs but hasn’t been given a full green light yet.
Draft Pick Signings: 5/5/18
Here are Saturday’s draft pick transactions.
- The only Vikings draft choice to remain unsigned after Saturday is first-rounder Mike Hughes. Minnesota agreed to terms with second-rounder Brian O’Neill on Friday and today inked four-year contracts with fourth-round defensive end Jalyn Holmes and fifth-round tight end Tyler Conklin. Seven of the Vikes’ eight picks are under contract.
- Meanwhile, the Raiders reached their first agreement with a 2018 draftee, coming to terms with sixth-round linebacker Azeem Victor. While Victor is this draft class’ only linebacker, Oakland added four veterans in free agency — including a Friday accord with Derrick Johnson.