Inside linebacker Derrick Johnson has re-signed with the Chiefs on a three-year deal worth $21 million. Johnson has spent his entire career with the Kansas City Chiefs after being selected 15th overall by Kansas City in the 2005 draft.
Derrick Johnson's deal with the #Chiefs is for $21 million over three years, a source tells me.
— RIP Terez A. Paylor (@TerezPaylor) March 10, 2016
Derrick Johnson Re-Signs With Kansas City Chiefs
Johnson played in all 16 games last season after missing the entire 2014 season due to a torn Achilles tendon. He was very productive on the field, recording 116 total tackles and four sacks. The Chiefs definitely missed him during the 2014 season. He was a solid piece on a very good defense and could easily be considered the anchor of the Chiefs defense.
Despite aging, Johnson still is able to be very productive, as he puts up solid numbers year after year. During the past 11 seasons, he has been one of the bright spots for the Kansas City Chiefs even on a Chiefs team that was struggling in the late 2000’s to early 2010’s. In his 11 season with the Chiefs, he was named to four Pro Bowls, was voted the Pro Bowl MVP, holds the Chiefs franchise all-time tackling record and was voted first-team All-Pro in 2011 and second-team All-Pro in 2015. Johnson has amassed 991 total tackles, 26.5 sacks, 22 forced fumbles, 13 interceptions and 68 passes defensed in his career.
Johnson has had a few injuries over the years and with his age, there could be a debate about how much longer he will truly be in the NFL. He turns 34 in November and his health is the biggest question mark. However, he has played in at least 13 games every season with the exception of his 2014 season in his 11-year career.
Johnson was born in Waco, Texas and went to high school there. Johnson was a three-sport star in high school, playing football, basketball and running track. After earning some All-American honors from Parade magazine and first-team All-Texas 5A, he committed to the University of Texas. After his senior year at Texas he was a unanimous All-American and Big Twelve Defensive Player of the Year along with a first team All-Big 12 Selection. After recording 130 total tackles, two sacks and 19 tackles for loss during his final collegiate season, Johnson was selected in the first round of the 2005 NFL Draft.
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