Derrick Johnson rumors: 3 best fits

The all-time tackles leader for the Kansas City Chiefs, Derrick Johnson is now looking for a new home after 13 seasons.

In 2015, Derrick Johnson was coming off what many believed to be a career-ending Achilles tear. Instead, Johnson rolled to 116 tackles and four interceptions, notching Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors. Then, the following year, Johnson tore the other Achilles in a Thursday night game against the Oakland Raiders, and his return in 2017 didn’t go the same way.

Last year, Johnson was a shadow of the player he once was. Playing in 15 games, the former first-round pick totaled 71 tackles and no sacks. After the Chiefs released him in February, Johnson proclaimed he still wants to play. Now, for the first time in his career, he’s looking for a new home.

Best fits

1. Houston Texans

Johnson was born and raised in the Houston area, and could welcome a return home to wind down his career. The Texans are trying to get over the proverbial hump in the AFC South, and Johnson’s ability to cover tight ends (still his best trait) would be helpful, not to mention his leadership. Nobody would be a better mentor for Zach Cunningham.

2. Tennessee Titans

Should Avery Williamson decide to leave in free agency, there would be nothing wrong with Tennessee taking a flier on Johnson. For starters, head coach Mike Vrabel actually played alongside Johnson for two years in Kansas City, winning the division in 2010. Johnson would also provide a steady hand on the inside, consistently getting the Titans in the right alignment.

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3. San Francisco 49ers

The 49ers are an up-and-coming team in the NFC West, but they need a little experience and on-field leadership. Johnson would certainly provide that on a team with brilliant young talents across the front seven. In this instance, Johnson would be of a mentor than anything else, but he could play in subpackages against the pass.