The Kansas City Chiefs have made it clear they plan to go in a more youthful direction this offseason. As a result, veterans like quarterback Alex Smith and linebacker Derrick Johnson will not be part of the team's long-term plans.

Although there was one year left on Johnson's deal, the Chiefs have decided to void his contract, thus making him an unrestricted free agent per ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter:

The Chiefs have since issued a press release on the decision to part ways with Johnson.

“Few players in recent history have meant more to the Chiefs franchise and the Kansas City community than Derrick Johnson,” Chiefs Chairman and CEO 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.”

It goes without saying that Johnson has left an indelible mark on the Chiefs organization. He was selected by Kansas City with the 15th overall pick in the 2005 NFL Draft. Since then, he has earned four trips to the Pro Bowl and was named an All-Pro twice. He now ends his tenure with the Chiefs as their franchise's all-time leading tackler.

Kansas City made headlines for their blockbuster trade of Smith to the Washington Redskins. The release of Johnson only confirms the notion that they are looking to get much younger at key positions while hoping to stay competitive in the AFC playoff picture.

That said, Johnson now enters free agency as one of the biggest names on the market despite his age.