The Kansas City Chiefs recently drafted Kahlil McKenzie, Oakland Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie’s son. And now, the Raiders might have some retaliation planned for their fierce AFC West rivals.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Raiders are set to bring in former Chiefs great, linebacker Derrick Johnson, for a free-agent visit.
The Chiefs opted not to re-sign Johnson earlier in the offseason after 13 years in Kansas City as part of the team’s plan to get younger on defense. They also cut ties with other longtime Chiefs in Tamba Hali and Ron Parker during that purge of veteran defensive players.
Johnson had 71 tackles in 15 starts in 2017, but his play is clearly in decline due to age as well as the effects of two torn Achilles injuries. However, the 35-year-old Johnson still isn’t ready to retire just yet. He hasn’t received much attention in the free-agent market, but the Raiders apparently feel he might have something to offer to their linebacking corps.
The Raiders’ linebacker depth chart isn’t exactly teeming with recognizable names at the moment. Last year’s starting middle linebacker, NaVorro Bowman, remains unsigned. Johnson's visit may be a move to pressure Bowman into signing or a sign that Oakland is ready to move on from him. Marquel Lee, a fifth-round pick in last year’s draft, played 13 games (six starts) and will likely be the team's starter at middle linebacker if the season started today.
Apart from providing some veteran leadership to the Raiders, Johnson’s possible arrival would also add further fuel to the division rivalry between Oakland and Kansas City.
Follow Us
Subscribe