The Kansas City Chiefs might have seen the last snap out of Derrick Johnson, while Alex Smith is providing hope with his recent play.
Amongst the joy and celebration of the victory of the Chiefs victory over the Raiders on Thursday night was the season-ending injury to Derrick Johnson. As we viewed Johnson laying on the cold grass of Arrowhead on Thursday, we need to understand and explore the possibility that Johnson’s time with the Chiefs has come to an end.
This offseason, the Chiefs will have to make some difficult decisions on who to bring back and who will have to be let go. Combined with the above and the 2018 offseason, the Chiefs have real issues with the salary cap. Johnson is due a salary of $7.75 million next season, which, if healthy, would be no issue. But facing the prospect that Johnson could be facing close to a year of recovery and rehab, which would put him out for, likely, at least half of the 2017 season.
Carrying $7.75 million against the cap for a player whose contributions will be limited to possibly nothing next season is a tough situation. The Chiefs may be forced to make a move with Johnson in order to get under the cap. While a simple releasing of D.J. saves the Chiefs very little to nothing, if they were to designate him as a June 1 cut, that would save the Chiefs $4 million against the cap.
While you certainly can’t simply snap your fingers and replace a player like D.J. (he’s a Chiefs Hall of Famer for a reason) the team does have serviceable to good depth at the position. Ramik Wilson is playing inspired football right now, and D.J. Alexander appeared to do decently well while getting snaps against the Raiders. Combined with the return of Justin March next season, and you have bodies at the position. With the return of Daniel Sorensen and the (likely) return of Eric Berry next season, you at a minimum have safeties who have experience playing close to the line of scrimmage.
Questions of just how effective D.J. would be when he does return. Achilles injuries can hinder a players effectiveness quickly, especially players over the age of 30. While D.J. obviously came back strong from the first injury, the concern of what D.J.’s play looks like is something that will need to be viewed and pondered.
There’s also a question, that while it needs to be asked certainly don’t believe it’s likely, if Johnson doesn’t want to go through the rehab and recovery required to get back on the field. Just turning 34, Johnson is ‘old’ in football terms, and the prospect of a grueling rehab to get on the field, he may simply choose to ride off into the sunset.