The Kansas City Chiefs are not messing around. On the first official day of 2016 NFL free agency, general manager John Dorsey has been busy.
After signing right tackle Mitchell Schwartz to a five-year deal for an undisclosed amount, Dorsey inked longtime favorite, inside linebacker Derrick Johnson to a three-year, $21 million deal. The amount of guaranteed money remains uncertain.
Chiefs MLB Derrick Johnson has agreed to remain in KC on a 3-year contract worth $21 million, per @Edwerderespn.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 10, 2016
You have to be thrilled about this. Johnson was a Second-Team All-Pro and a Pro Bowler last season, only one campaign after tearing his Achilles in Week 1 against the Tennessee Titans. At 32 years old, most believed Johnson would never truly recover from the injury, but he is better than ever.
This deal, much like the three-year deal that signed Tamba Hali, will keep both of these greats in Arrowhead Stadium for the remainder of their careers. The Chiefs finally won a playoff game last season and now are bringing back the heart and soul of the team in Johnson and Hali. This is awesome.
Also, Dorsey was able to retain outside linebacker and special teams ace Frank Zombo on a three-year, $3.6 million pact.
#Chiefs are re-signing linebacker and special teamer Frank Zombo to a 3-year, $3.6M deal. Another $750K available in incentives.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 10, 2016
Zombo does a nice job playing in a reserve role and special teams coach Dave Toub has often lauded his play on his units.