Derrick Johnson heading to Oakland
The Raiders agreed to sign inside linebacker Derrick Johnson on Friday, filling a need in the middle of their defense.
Johnson, 35, has played 13 NFL seasons, all with the Chiefs. He is Kansas City’s all-time leading tackler and a four-time Pro Bowl selection, most recently in 2015.
“I’ve known Derrick a while,” Raiders head coach Jon Gruden said following the team’s rookie minicamp Friday. “I think he brings us status at a critical position.”
The position was vacant with NaVorro Bowman still a free agent. Gruden did not rule out the Raiders continuing to pursue Bowman, but Johnson presents a replacement who rivals Bowman’s qualities of leadership and experience.
“He’s got a great history in this league, been productive under a lot of different coaches and different schemes,” Gruden said. “He understands the AFC West. … I’m really excited to add him to this team with
some of our young linebackers. I think his presence will be very valuable.”
Johnson started 15 games last season and played 76.8 percent of the Chiefs’ defensive snaps. In his career he has 27.5 sacks, 78 passes defensed, 23 forced fumbles and 14 interceptions.
Johnson steps in ahead of second-year player Marquel Lee, who started six games last season before Bowman’s arrival. The Raiders also drafted Washington inside linebacker Azeem Victor and signed Tahir Whitehead in free agency, but might prefer to play Whitehead outside.
That appears likelier after the Raiders on Friday waived linebacker Cory James because of a failed physical. James, a sixth-round draft pick in 2016, played 10 games last season, mostly at weak side. The Raiders also cut defensive end Armonty Bryant with a non-football-related illness.
Mending corners: Cornerback Nick Nelson (fourth round) was the only Raiders draft pick who did not participate in Friday’s minicamp. Nelson, who is recovering from a torn meniscus, was at the field observing.
Gruden said Nelson and
Gareon Conley, last year’s first-round pick, are both expected to be healthy for training camp. Conley is returning from shin surgery.
Other signings: The Raiders also announced six undrafted free-agent signings: tight end Marcus Baugh, receiver Saeed Blacknall, linebacker Jason Cabinda, center Alex Officer, kicker Eddy Pineiro
and fullback Nick Sharga.