Derrick Johnson's tenure with the Kansas City Chiefs is coming to an end.
The franchise's career tackles leader and a four-time Pro Bowl selection
Doug Kotar Jersey , Johnson will become a free agent when his contract expires at the start of the new league year March 14. He intends to keep playing, it just won't be in the familiar red, yellow and white of the Chiefs.
"I love Kansas City and this fan base. They've always had my back," Johnson said in a statement put out by the Chiefs, who made the rare decision to announce publicly that Johnson would not be returning.
That in itself speaks volumes to how much Johnson has meant to the organization.
"I'm grateful I had the opportunity to spend 13 years in a place I love," he said. "I plan on playing for several more years because I love the game so much, but I look forward to retiring as a member of the Kansas City Chiefs when my career is over."
Johnson was the Chiefs' first-round pick in 2005, though his career got off to a rocky start. At one point early on, he found himself riding the bench, and was even labeled a bust.
But Johnson eventually earned his starting job back, and went on to appear in 182 games with 169 starts. He piled up 1
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He had a career-best 179 tackles in 2011, when he was voted the Chiefs' team MVP.
"Few players in recent history have meant more to the Chiefs franchise and the Kansas City community than Derrick Johnson," Chiefs chairman Clark Hunt said.
"His tireless work ethic and passion for the game made him one of the most productive defensive players to ever wear a Chiefs uniform and one of the most respected players both in our locker room and around the league.
"Over the last 13 seasons, Derrick represented himself and the Chiefs organization with integrity and class, and he will always be a part of our Chiefs family."
Johnson piled up his impressive stats despite missing part of two seasons with ruptured Achilles tendons. He returned from the first one as good as ever, earning his most recent Pro Bowl trip in 2015, but the second seemed to finally take a step out of his legs this past season.
He slowly lost playing time to younger teammates in the middle of the Kansas City defense.
"I'm grateful I had the opportunity to coach a player like Derrick," Chiefs coach Andy Reid said in a statement. "He's a passionate football player and a natural leader. I value the amount of quality work he put in every day for us, including teaching our younger players what it means to be a pro.
"I think he will make an incredible coach when he is done playing the game
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The Chiefs have been trying to get younger the past couple of seasons, particularly on defense, and Johnson is unlikely to be the last veteran to go. Fellow linebacker Tamba Hali has been dealing with bad knees for years, and the Chiefs are expected to release him in the coming weeks.
Johnson signed a three-year, $21 million contract extension in 2016, but he had restructured the deal a year ago to help the Chiefs free up salary cap space. In doing so, he voided the final year, and that made it simple for the Chiefs to move on.
His loss will be felt not only on the field, but in the locker room and community. Johnson often served as a team spokesman, always showing up at his locker to speak with reporters regardless of whether the team was winning or losing. And the role he played in mentoring young players, such as linebackers Reggie Ragland and Ukeme Eligwe
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"Letting go of a player like Derrick is particularly tough because of how much respect I have for him as a player and a person," Chiefs general manager Brett Veach said. "He's had a tremendous career in Kansas City and we wish him nothing but the best moving forward."
The Chicago Bears have agreed to a contract with former Jacksonville Jaguars receiver Allen Robinson, hoping he can form a dynamic tandem with quarterback Mitchell Trubisky and help energize a stagnant passing game.
The Bears announced the move Wednesday, a day after Robinson told ESPN he was planning to sign a $42 million, three-year deal.
Chicago also announced agreements with Philadelphia Eagles tight end Trey Burton ($32 million, four years), Atlanta Falcons receiver Taylor Gabriel, Miami Dolphins kicker Cody Parkey and New Orleans Saints backup quarterback Chase Daniel.
The Bears are coming off their fourth straight last-place finish in the NFC North and fourth straight season with 10 or more losses. They came into free agency looking to surround Trubisky – the No. 2 overall pick in last year’s draft – with more play-making targets and boost a passing game that ranked last in the NFL.
The moves they announced showed just how serious they were.
They are banking on Robinson to recover from a torn ACL in his left knee and regain the form that made him a Pro Bowl pick in 2015.
Robinson seemed poised to be a key part of the Jaguars’ offense last year following a strong training camp. But he injured his knee on Jacksonville’s third play of the season. The Jaguars went on to win the AFC South and advance to the conference title game. Jacksonville coach Doug Marrone said at the NFL scouting combine Robinson is ”right on schedule” in his recovery from the torn ACL.
At 24, he is young and would fill a huge need if he reverts to his 2015 form. He had 80 receptions for 1,400 yards and 14 touchdowns that year, establishing himself as one of the best receivers in franchise history. His production dropped in 2016
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Burton gets a chance to be the No. 1 tight end on the Bears after catching 23 passes for 248 yards and five TDs in Philadelphia’s championship season. He also threw a touchdown pass to quarterback Nick Foles in the Eagles’ Super Bowl victory over New England.
Gabriel had 33 catches for 378 yards and a touchdown last season. He has 132 receptions for 1,819 yards and eight touchdowns in four seasons with Atlanta and Cleveland.
Parkey made 21 of 23 field goals in his lone season with Miami. He worked with new Bears special teams coordinator Chris Tabor with the Cleveland Browns in 2016, after spending his first two years in Philadelphia.
Daniel has played for New Orleans, Kansas City and Philadelphia since entering the league in 2009. New Bears coach Matt Nagy was his quarterbacks coach with the Chiefs from 2013-15.
The Bears also announced Wednesday they have agreed to contracts with linebacker Sam Acho and cornerback Prince Amukamara, keeping them in Chicago. Quarterback Mike Glennon, receiver Marcus Wheaton and defensive back Marcus Cooper were released on Wednesday.
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