General Manager Brett Veach made another tough decision to let Kansas City’s all-time leading tackler hit the open market in 2018.
The Kansas City Chiefs announced on Tuesday afternoon that they would not be retaining inside linebacker Derrick Johnson for the 2018 season. The former 2005 first round draft pick played in 182 games for the Chiefs in his career, starting 169 of those. He also holds the franchise record for tackles with 1,151 in his career.
Moving on from Johnson is by no means an easy decision. He has been the rock in the middle of the defense for over a decade. Leadership, elite level of play, and his service in the community all make it very hard for Chiefs fans to accept losing one of their favorite players. While the move was expected by most fans, it was still gut-wrenching when the news broke.
Veach has been very aggressive with his moves since taking over at the beginning of the 2017 season. He has not shied away from coming into his first full offseason as he already traded veteran quarterback Alex Smith to the Washington Redskins and now cut Johnson. There are likely other moves that will be made this offseason to save the Chiefs money, as veteran outside linebacker Tamba Hali will likely hit the open market as well.
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As hard as it is to let Johnson and possibly Hali go, it is a new direction for the Chiefs that could help them in the long run. The franchise has been known for keeping guys for years after their prime while also paying them elite money. The Hali contract a few years ago is a big indicator of that after the Chiefs were late to renew his deal before the 2015 season ended.
The Chiefs were charged $4 million against the salary cap in 2016 for not reaching an agreement with Hali before March 4. They proceeded to extend his contract three years for $22 million and $12 million guaranteed. Hali played a limited role in 2016 and barely played at all in 2017.
Knowing when to cut players instead of continuing to pay big money past their prime is something this organization needs in its general manager. Brett Veach tends to agree as he continues to make tough decisions while still under his first year as a general manager.